Reel Focus 2023
Short Films + Workshops
IN-PERSON
Students in grades 4-7 attend a hands-on filmmaking workshop (75 mins) accompanied by a program of short films (75 mins) tailored to your grade level. We provide study guides to prepare your students for the program and encourage follow-up back in the classroom. Each film program will be followed by a Q&A with filmmakers or a discussant. The film programs and workshop descriptions are listed below.
When: March 28-31 & April 3-4, 2023 (from 10AM to 1PM)
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, Yaletown, Vancouver
Cost: $225 per class (groups up to 30 students)
TO REGISTER: SOLD OUT!
ONLINE
All short films and programs are available online for school groups who are unable to attend in person. We do not offer workshops for online groups (workshops are available for in-person registration only). A study guide will be provided to all educators who book online short film programs.
When: March 28 – April 6, 2023
Where: Available online across British Columbia
Cost: $75 per class (groups up to 30 students)
Tuesday, March 28 / Tuesday, April 4 (sold out both days)
What’s happening on the outside isn’t always an indicator of what’s happening on the inside and vice-versa. Not to mention, other worlds may exist and these works illuminate the possibility of deeper forces at work.
Recommended for grades 4-7
Themes: reality, perception, environment, human perseverance, machine and AI technology, fear and connection
Wednesday, March 29 / Tuesday, April 4 (sold out both days)
Elders impart their wisdom to find and maintain balance and honour tradition, while young people find their voice and heart center in their worlds. This collection of works celebrates connection to source and the ways of first peoples around the globe.
Recommended for grades 4-7
Themes: environment, creativity, elders, finding balance, honouring the land, self-reliance, reciprocity
Thursday, March 30 (sold out)
Parents and children, and grandparents and grandchildren, negotiate their connections to one another. With quiet observation they understand new and hidden internal experiences about survival, death, and existence that determine how to relate on the level of human, animal, and even AI.
Recommended for grades 4-7
Themes: environment, identity, boundaries, end of life and care, parent child relationships, living up to expectations, love, memory, artificial intelligence
Friday, March 31 (sold out)
It’s not always easy to know who’s right and who’s wrong; if we’re making the right decision or the wrong one. Indulging in thought experiments of morality and justice allows us to consider nuance, empathy, and compassion, and hopefully invite self-acceptance.
Recommended for grades 5-7
Themes: self-care, love, justice, moral conflict, empathy, kindness, self-reflection, cultural differences
Shorty Short Shorts – Mixed Animation
Monday, April 3 (sold out)
Little ones take big adventures while worlds of lyricism and poetry invite youngsters on a journey of self-discovery. From the back seat of the road trip to the unseen recesses of space, prepare to be swept away!
Recommended for grades 3-6
Themes: growing up, exploration, imagination, comedy, animation, mystery, poetry
Workshops
Claymation
Students shape and mold characters with plasticine and, using stop motion animation, will create short films in small groups. The plasticine is messy, and all kinds of fun!
Digital Filmmaking
The class learns the functions of a digital video camera, and a few insider tricks. Then students break into small groups and film short scenes on their own inside and outside of the Roundhouse.
Objects in Motion
New Ipad equipment on the animation stations! Using everyday school and art supplies, students will animate objects in new, silly, and imaginative ways.
Cut Out Animation
A variety of pre-fashioned and cutout materials will be used to create characters and sets. In small groups, using video capture techniques, students will be taken through the steps of creating a short story.
Handmade Film
Explore the art and history of cinema. Students will etch and draw on 16mm celluloid to create a collaborative short film. At the end of the workshop students will be able to see their work projected.
Pixilation
New equipment! Choreographed by the instructor, the class will appear to be gliding, disappearing, and flying through the air in a stop motion animation short film.