Selkirk College’s Summer Film Camp is preparing to welcome youths aged 8 to 18 to the college’s Tenth Street Campus in Nelson for another season of hands-on filmmaking at the Big Screen Dreams: Summer Film Camp for ages 8 to 13 and the Film Production Camp for ages 14 to 18. This marks the program’s 20th year of empowering young storytellers through film.
Selkirk College graduates and local filmmakers Amy Bohigian and Carla Sinclair founded the camp in 2007 to give young people meaningful, real-world filmmaking experience. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a beloved regional program, serving hundreds of youths from across the Kootenays and beyond.
Transforming a Script from Stage to Screen
Students collaborate with industry professionals to transform a script from page to screen using professional cameras, special effects and editing software. As they bring their creative ideas to life on screen, they learn to lead, collaborate and communicate with confidence.
“The Selkirk College Summer Film Camps have always been about so much more than just making movies. They create a welcoming space where youth can come together, collaborate and discover how their unique skills and perspectives contribute to something bigger as a team,” says Carla Sinclair. "These camps help foster connection, self-expression and a sense of belonging in our community, while empowering youth to realize that their voices and stories matter.”
A Launchpad for Emerging Talent
The program has become a launchpad for emerging talent. Many former students have returned as instructors and mentors. Others have gone on to pursue careers in the screen-based industries and attend film schools, university film programs and Selkirk College’s Digital Arts Program.
This summer marks a new chapter for the long-running camp. Colin Burwell of Empty Cup Media is stepping into the role of camp coordinator. Burwell is excited to use his 20 years of filmmaking experience, entrepreneurial spirit and connection with Nelson youth to maintain the camp’s legacy.
Register now for the Big Screen Dreams: Summer Film Camp for ages 8 to 13 and the Film Production Camp for ages 14 to 18.
Photo caption: Carla Sinclair (L) and Amy Bohigian (R). Photo by Colin Burwell.