Learning and Outreach

Learning & Outreach

thecinematheque.ca/learn

The Cinematheque offers interactive programs that explore film and visual media in the world around us. We believe that creative filmmaking, film appreciation, and digital literacy are best approached through fun and active handson learning. We value diversity and inclusion, and we centre these values in the learning opportunities we provide. Bringing more than twenty years of outreach experience to our practice, we offer programs to members of the public, community organizations, and primary and secondary schools, in Metro Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.

Our work focuses on four key areas:

Film Production

Innovative production programs allow participants to learn the language and process of filmmaking by creating their own short films. Includes in-school sessions and our popular summer camps.

Digital Literacy

Engaging discussions provide participants with critical-thinking skills for a better understanding of social media and visual culture. Issues explored in 2019 included: artificial intelligence, news, and media culture.

Film Studies

These unique workshops welcome participants into our theatre for film screenings and facilitated debates. Topics explored in 2019 included: Canadian identity in film, Shakespeare and film, and Canadian Indigenous voices in film.

Pro-D & Conferences

Specialized training sessions support educators to foster digital literacy and film appreciation in their students. In the past school year we have presented to the BC Alternate Education Association, the Provincial Intermediate Teachers’ Association, and at the Interpretation Canada National Conference (Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg). A regular focus of The Cinematheque’s Learning & Outreach programs has been vulnerable and at-risk youth. These initiatives strive to be fully accessible to all, regardless of income, gender, sexual orientation, or culture. Free programs, or programs supported by bursaries, are a priority. The Cinematheque’s efforts have been rewarded with enthusiastic feedback from participants:

“Words can not express how grateful and truly humbled I am to have had the opportunity to be part of this amazing program run by The Cinematheque. I loved every minute and second of being in the program each day. I am grateful to have spent time with such an amazing collective.”

Q. N.

“I feel that the skills I learned while participating in the camp will benefit me in future film and art projects I plan to pursue as an adult. Without the bursary I was awarded, this camp would not have been possible.”

N. W.

“I heard about [this program] through a lot of people either who were previous participants or who thought the program would be perfect for me, but I never looked into it too seriously because I come from a very low-income family. I was so happy to find out the program provided a bursary and even happier when I was accepted! This program gave me the tools to let my ideas run wild without limitations.”

Special Projects and New Initiatives

Collaborating with educational institutions and reaching new audiences are central priorities in the development of our Learning & Outreach initiatives. In 2019, we successfully started several new programs:

Moving Still – Youth Project

Created in collaboration with the Vancouver Art Gallery, this project saw youths making short films in response to the VAG exhibition “Moving Still: Performative Photography from India,” which explored themes of gender, migration, religion, and identity.

Film & Media Summer Camps with UBC

Organized in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, these camps offered youths aged 11-13 a comprehensive introduction to the art of filmmaking and to key concepts in media literacy.

Looking For Us

Second-generation, refugee, and recently immigrated youths explored heritage, culture, and identity in a filmmaking initiative designed to empower them to take an active role in defining their place in the contemporary Canadian mosaic and to produce works that promote change within their local communities. Created in collaboration with the Surrey Learning Centres, generously funded by Canadian Heritage (Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program), and supported by several local community service organizations.

Paper Animation

This community engagement project aimed at adult participants involved the hands-on creation of simple paper animation using historic pre-cinema methods such as the thaumatrope and the zoetrope.

Other projects included: The Indie Filmmakers Lab (in partnership with Simon Fraser University’s School for the Contemporary Arts, and supported by Creative BC, McLean Foundation, the City of North Vancouver, and the District of North Vancouver); Hope Strength and Resilience (in partnership with Plea Community Services, and supported by Leon and Thea Koerner Award); Youth Driven Forum (organized by Collingwood Neighbourhood House); Film & Documentary School Projects (Edith Cavell Elementary, TREK Outdoor Education Program, Prince of Wales Mini School, David Thompson Secondary, Sea to Sky Learning Connections); Summer Camps (in collaboration with the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver).