Programme dates
6-17 July 2026
In-person Program
UBC Film Mini School: Storytelling through Film
UBC’s film mini school teaches filmmaking through screenings, workshops and hands-on practice with working filmmakers, covering scripting, directing, camera work, sound and editing.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
Get the full picture before you decide
See Succeed's assessment of the programme, who it may suit, the estimated total cost, what applying involves and what is still to confirm.
or let us know if .
What Succeed checks
We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
What Last verified means
Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.
How official sources are used
Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.
Why some dates are reference dates
If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.
Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.
UBC Film Mini School at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Completed Grade 10 or equivalent
Age range / Year group
Ages 15-18
Location / Region
UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, Canada
Cost
$2,110 CAD; $2,855 CAD
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
FilmCreative WritingPhotography
Class size: Up to 25 students per section
Accommodation: Optional single-room campus residence
Meals: Weekday lunch; full board with residence
Certificate / Outcome: Letter of Completion
Tutors / faculty: Working filmmakers
Campus experience: Classes, recreation and social activities
Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday, 4.5 class hours daily
UBC Film Mini School summary
A practical introduction to filmmaking within UBC Future Global Leaders, taught by working filmmakers.
Students combine screenings and workshops with demonstrations and hands-on practice, exploring how scripts, camera work, sound and editing shape a film.
It suits students who want to test their interest in media production and visual storytelling through making and experimenting.
What is UBC Film Mini School: Storytelling through Film?
UBC Film Mini School: Storytelling through Film is a filmmaking course offered through UBC Extended Learning’s Future Global Leaders program. It introduces the creative and technical choices involved in making a film, from writing and directing to photography, sound and post-production.
Working filmmakers teach through screenings, workshops, demonstrations and practical exercises. Students use their own equipment, with a smartphone camera sufficient, while exploring film industry careers and other applications of visual communication.
Why Succeed highlights UBC Film Mini School
Working filmmakers connect filmmaking fundamentals with practical production experience.
Screenings, workshops and hands-on exercises give students several ways to understand film.
A smartphone camera is sufficient, reducing the need to buy specialist equipment.
The course connects production skills with learning pathways and career possibilities.
Who is UBC Film Mini School for?
Best for
Students interested in media production, creative writing, content creation or photography who want practical filmmaking experience.
Not ideal if
You mainly want a film appreciation course or an admissions advantage; the emphasis is production practice, and participation does not provide a direct university pathway.
Is UBC Film Mini School worth it?
This is a strong option for students who want to discover whether they enjoy the actual work of filmmaking. Learning from working filmmakers and practicing several production roles can make that decision more informed than watching films alone.
The value depends on making full use of the practical classes and campus experience. Families should weigh the fees and residence add-on against those goals, while treating the Letter of Completion as recognition of participation rather than a direct route to university admission.
Sean
Founder, Succeed
Talk it through with Sean
Want to talk it through?
“I can help you compare the programmes you're considering, think through the practicalities and work out what makes sense for you.”
20 minutes · No obligation to enrol
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$2,110 CAD; $2,855 CAD; includes 45 hours of mini school classes., Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall., UBC Recreation Card for swimming and drop-in sports., Weekday afternoon student life activities., Residence add-on: single room and breakfast, lunch and dinner daily., Residence add-on: airport transfers within designated service times., Residence add-on: evening and weekend activities., Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students..
Accommodation
Optional single-room campus residence
Meals
Weekday lunch; full board with residence
Provider details
Review the UBC Future Global Leaders provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, Canada.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does UBC Film Mini School need?
Effort level
Substantial, with 45 hours of practical classes.
Best started
Several weeks before a confirmed session, allowing longer for travel or accessibility arrangements.
Main challenge
Connecting story choices with camera work, sound and editing.
Typical preparation
Practice recording a short scene with the smartphone or camera you plan to bring.
Prepare separate parent/guardian and student email addresses for the Family Account.
Plan how to complete the information package within 48 hours of registration.
If you need academic accommodations, begin the Centre for Accessibility process promptly after registration.
Useful if
You want to test an interest in filmmaking through practice.
What do students do on UBC Film Mini School?
You learn filmmaking fundamentals through screenings, workshops and hands-on demonstrations. Practical exercises connect storytelling decisions with the production skills used to capture and refine a film.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore how scripts, directing, photography, lighting, sound and editing contribute to filmmaking.
- 2
Watch screenings and take part in workshops led by working filmmakers.
- 3
Practice production techniques using your own smartphone or camera.
- 4
Consider ways to share films and apply visual communication skills in future study or work.
UBC Film Mini School dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Programme dates | 6-17 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
High school students ages 15-18.
Completed Grade 10 or equivalent.
Canadian and international students may participate.
Recommended: 78% average, 3.5 GPA, B average or IB 5+.
English learners: recommended IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 or equivalent.
No transcripts or proof of English required.
How much does UBC Film Mini School cost?
Mini school fee
$2,110 CAD; $2,855 CAD — Canadian/permanent-resident and international fees respectively.
Funding or discounts
- Residence add-on: $2,650 CAD — Private campus room, meals, transfers and residence activities.
- UBC President Bursary: Needs-based support — For eligible Grade 11 British Columbia students demonstrating financial need.
What's included
45 hours of mini school classes., Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall., UBC Recreation Card for swimming and drop-in sports., Weekday afternoon student life activities., Residence add-on: single room and breakfast, lunch and dinner daily., Residence add-on: airport transfers within designated service times., Residence add-on: evening and weekend activities., Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students.
How to apply to UBC Film Mini School
- 1
Review the eligibility requirements and FGL-specific refund policies.
- 2
Select a scheduled film mini school session and choose commuter or residence options.
- 3
Have a parent or guardian create or sign in to the UBC Lifelong Learning Family Account.
- 4
Add the student using a separate primary email address, assign them to the course and complete checkout.
- 5
Select New Application in the Family Account and submit the information package within 48 hours of registration.
- 6
Follow the emailed instructions to set up the student's account and Campus-wide Login.
Next step with Succeed
Interested in this programme?
or let us know if .
Succeed replies first, usually within a working day
What does UBC Film Mini School cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Writing and directing
Explore scripts and directing performers as parts of the filmmaking process.
Photography and lighting
Practice visual production fundamentals using your own camera equipment.
Sound and post-production
Explore sound recording, sound design, editing and post-production.
Art department and producing
Consider costume and prop choices alongside planning and organizing a shoot.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on UBC Film Mini School?
A typical day during the program.
Morning classes
Monday-Friday, 9 am-noon: in-person film mini school classes.
Afternoon classes
Monday-Friday, 1:30-3 pm: further subject classes rather than university preparation lectures.
Campus activities
The student life timetable lists activities, study time and free time from 3:30-5 pm.
Residence activities
Residence students can join evening social activities and weekend excursions.
Who teaches on UBC Film Mini School?
The film mini school is taught by faculty who are working filmmakers. Teaching combines screenings, workshops, demonstrations and hands-on practice.
Each section is limited to 25 students.
Where do students stay on UBC Film Mini School?
Residential plan
- Private residence room: Stay in a furnished single room with a twin XL bed, desk, chair, lamp and bedding.
- Full board and laundry: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily, alongside two laundry loads with detergent per session.
- Residence support: Student life assistants provide 24/7 support with a 10-to-1 residence student-to-staff ratio.
- Transfers and activities: The add-on includes airport transfers within service times plus evening activities and weekend excursions.
Non-residential plan
- Daily commuting: Students arrange their own accommodation and transport to campus for weekday classes.
- Lunch and recreation: Weekday lunch, a UBC Recreation Card and afternoon activities are included.
- Commuter supervision: The conduct rules limit commuter monitoring and supervision to daily in-class attendance checks.
Residence floors are mixed-gender with shared bathrooms; rooms have no air conditioning or supplied fan.
What happens after UBC Film Mini School?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Develop fundamental filmmaking and visual communication skills.
Explore further learning pathways in film and media production.
Learn about sharing films globally and film industry careers.
Receive a Letter of Completion when attendance and conduct requirements are met.
The program is not a direct pathway to admission at UBC or another university.
Where does UBC Film Mini School take place?
Classes take place on the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada, with campus residence or daily commuting options. The central UBC Bus Loop serves public transit, and Vancouver International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from campus.
Residence airport transfers operate during designated Sunday arrival and Saturday departure windows.
UBC Film Mini School FAQs
Students use their own equipment. A smartphone with a camera is sufficient for the filmmaking activities.
The course faculty are working filmmakers who teach filmmaking fundamentals through screenings, workshops, demonstrations and practical work.
Yes. Commuter students attend campus classes, receive weekday lunch and a UBC Recreation Card, and can participate in afternoon activities.
It includes a private campus residence room, daily meals, airport transfers within designated service times, and evening and weekend activities. International residence students also receive local medical insurance.
Student life assistants live in residence and provide support around the clock, with a 10-to-1 residence student-to-staff ratio. Assistants have first-aid training, CPR-C and AED certification, and completed criminal record checks.
Students receive a Letter of Completion if they remain in good standing with program and conduct expectations and do not miss more than one class without approval.
No. UBC Future Global Leaders is not a direct pathway to UBC or another university; it provides experience of university learning and campus life.
Mini school students attend afternoon subject classes instead of university preparation lectures. They can access the lecture materials to review independently.
Alternatives to UBC Film Mini School
Compare these related programs if your interests extend to digital storytelling, journalism or visual art.
Alternatives to UBC Film Mini School
Storytelling in the Digital Age
Upcoming
Pre-college study focused on storytelling in digital media
Media Studies
08 May 2026
From $7401
15-18
Los Angeles
In-person
Best for
Students exploring digital media storytelling
A summer program centered on journalism
Media Studies
Deadline: Not announced
From £7400
14-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students drawn to journalism and writing
A summer program focused on art
Art
Deadline: Not announced
From £7400
13-18
St Andrews
In-person
Best for
Students exploring art and visual expression
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Student life | Extended Learning
- Information for parents and students | Extended Learning
- UBC Future Global Leaders | Extended Learning
- Future Global Leaders on-campus | Extended Learning
- Refunds, cancellations and transfers | Extended Learning
- StrongerBC future skills grant | Extended Learning
- Financial assistance | Extended Learning
- Registration technical support | Extended Learning
- Eligibility, admissions and accommodations | Extended Learning
- How to pay | Extended Learning
- How to log in or create a Lifelong Learning Student Account | Extended Learning
- How to register or apply | Extended Learning
- How online courses work | Extended Learning
- Registration info | Extended Learning
- UBC Pre-University Programs Sample Menu
- 2026 MarComm Schedule
- Pre-University Summer Program Code of Conduct and Rules
- UBC Film Mini School: Storytelling through Film | Extended Learning
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Official course page checked
Film session dates verified
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Fee options compared
Residence support reviewed
Completion requirements checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
UBC Film Mini School: Storytelling through Film
by UBC Future Global Leaders
Upcoming
Get the full picture before you decide
Succeed's assessment, estimated total cost and what applying involves.
No account needed for the Guide or Compare.
Not ready to decide yet? Keep it for later.
Get a next-cycle reminder
Compare similar programs
Save it for later
Keep recommendations organised