EmberFest presents Youth Film Making Camp with Elora Braden

This filmmaking workshop is designed to introduce youth to the fundamentals of visual storytelling while giving them a real creative goal to work toward. Over the course of a three day in-person workshop, students will learn the basics of filmmaking through a mix of discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice.

After the workshop, they will be given approximately one month to create and complete a one minute short film of their own choosing with set check in points with the facilitator. The program culminates in a public screening of the finished films at the Golden Art Gallery as part of the EmberFest programming. This final presentation gives students the experience of sharing their work with a real audience, celebrating completion, and seeing themselves as filmmakers, not just students.

The emphasis throughout the workshop is on creativity, accessibility, and finishing a project. Students are encouraged to use whatever tools they have available, including their phones, while also having access to school cameras and equipment if they wish.

Schedule

Friday (Feb 6th) 6-8 pm

Day 1: Breaking the Ice

The first evening is focused on getting youth engaged and making something right away. The session opens with examples that show how storytelling, editing, sound, and intention change the way a story is received. Participants then work in small groups on a very short, low-pressure filmmaking exercise using their phones. This introduces the idea that filmmaking is about choices, not expensive gear.

Saturday & Sunday (Feb 7th & 8th) 10 am – 4 pm

Day 2 & 3: Deeper Learning and Hands-On Exploration

Across these two days, participants are introduced to:

• Story structure and how to tell a clear story in a short format
• Visual language, including shot size, framing, and camera movement
• The importance of sound and how to record clean, intentional audio
• Using natural and available light to shape mood
• Editing as a storytelling tool, including pacing, rhythm, and emotion
• Demystifying the creative process

Fees & Additional Info

This workshop is intended for youth ages 14–18. This experience is ideal for youth interested in film making, storytelling, sound, light and editing and for those looking to make a short film about EmberFest.

The workshop fee is $120.00. A limited number of sponsorship spots are available, and we are committed to keeping this opportunity accessible. If finances are a barrier, please reach out to pc@kickinghorseculture.ca to learn more.

About the Artist

Elora Braden is a filmmaker, producer, and founder of El Nina Productions Inc. based in Golden, BC. She began her career as a CBC Radio producer, learning how to tell powerful stories through sound before moving into film and television. Elora is the creator of Ricky Diamonds, a musical comedy project that has grown from a short film into a developing tv series now being packaged to pitch broadcasters. Alongside her scripted work, she creates documentary, adventure, and branded content for organizations and communities across British Columbia. Her work is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a belief that great stories can come from anywhere.

A special thank-you to Golden & District Communtiy Foundation for supporting this initiative. We’re so grateful for their community spirit!