UBC Film Mini School: Storytelling through Film

This mini school is part of the UBC Future Global Leaders on-campus program for high school students ages 15–18. With 45 hours of class time, FGL mini schools provide a comprehensive introduction to a program area and include information on learning pathways and career opportunities.

From feature films to Instagram reels, visual storytelling is an important way of communicating with the world. UBC Film Production, at all levels, is a storytelling-focused program for both documentary and narrative filmmakers. We believe story comes first and strive to help students convey stories that are personal and important in the most impactful ways possible.

The process of making a film incorporates everything from writing a script, directing performers, photography, lighting, sound recording and design, editing and post-production, making choices about costumes and props in the art department, and doing the planning and organizing of the shoot as a producer. No matter the size or scope, or the equipment you use, building and refining your fundamental filmmaking skills will strengthen the quality and engagement of your films!

Using your own equipment (a smartphone with a camera is all you’ll need!) you’ll learn from our faculty (all working filmmakers!) about the fundamentals of filmmaking. Through screenings, workshops, and a lot of hands-on demonstrations and practice, you’ll level up your production skills while learning about opportunities to share your films globally, join the film industry as a career, or leverage your skills in visual communication in other careers.

This highly immersive two-week course is an excellent choice for students interested in media production, creative writing, communications, content creation, or photography, and is limited to 25 students per section.

Course format

This mini-school is held on the UBC Vancouver campus. You attend class in-person 9am–12noon and 1:30-3pm, Monday through Friday.

Choose to live in a student residence on campus or commute daily to UBC Vancouver.

Commuter Option: includes lunch in residence dining hall, Monday through Friday, and UBC Recreation Card.

Residence Option: includes private room and full board, airport pick-up and drop-off, local medical insurance for all international students (and custodianship if required for visa), weeknight and weekend social activities (e.g., trips to Grouse Mountain, Granville Island and Robson Street) and UBC Recreation Card.

Cost details

*All fees are subject to change. 

To register

A Family Account in UBC’s Lifelong Learning registration system is required to register for UBC Future Global Leaders on-campus.

After you add the course to your cart and go to check out, you’re asked to create a new Family Account or log in if you already have a Family Account.

A parent or guardian needs to set up the Family Account with their primary email address. After the account is created, the parent/guardian adds the student as a family member to their Family Account using the student’s primary email address (the student’s email address cannot be the same as the parent/guardian email address).

Add the student to the course session in your cart and complete the checkout process.

After completing the checkout process, and while logged into your Family Account, select New Application to access the FGL information package. Your registration is not final until the information package has been completed and submitted. You may partially complete the information package and return to it at any time within your Family Account.

If you are located in China or Russia, you will need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a Family Account, register for a course, fill out the information package and complete payment. If you do not have a VPN or need assistance, please contact us.