That’s a wrap on the 2025 SFFILM Youth Filmmakers Camp

SFFILM Education has successfully concluded its annual Youth Filmmakers Camp, a dynamic and immersive program designed for teens ages 13–18. Divided into both a Starter and Advanced Lab, the two-week camp empowers students to explore the full spectrum of the filmmaking process—from idea generation and pitching to screenwriting, cinematography, sound design, and editing. Through hands-on learning and team-based collaboration, participants create original narrative short films, guided throughout by SFFILM’s instructors, guest lecturers, and dedicated interns.

Learning in a Professional Environment with Professional Tools

This year, the camp partnered with the University of San Francisco’s Media Department, giving students access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment. Campers worked in professional-grade editing suites using Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Pro Tools, gaining real-world and professional experience in a supportive, creative environment.

“I tend to empathize really strongly with the people that I see on screen,” says Camper Aisha McCulloch. I think [sharing] those emotions that you’re having when you’re writing the story is really powerful, and film is one of the few mediums where you can do that.”

Guidance From Acclaimed Bay Area Filmmakers

Throughout the program, students were inspired by visits from acclaimed industry professionals, including producer Todd Traina, Oscar-winning Pixar animator Trevor Jimenez (Weekends, 2017), Sundance fellows Roberto Fatal and Kyle Casey Chu, and a number of SFFILM FilmHouse Residents. These guests offered invaluable insight into the craft and industry, expanding students’ perspectives and sparking new ambitions.

SFFILM-supported filmmaker Jessica Jones attended and discussed editing with campers; she shared her process and best practices for cutting together their films. “I’m impressed by high school students who are editing and really familiar with Premiere,” she said. “The kids who are in this camp are really enthusiastic filmmakers… They’re commitment to this artistic medium and their age in doing so is really cool” film.”

Both the Starter and Advanced Lab concluded with celebratory red carpet screenings, where students presented their finished films to an audience of family, friends, and SFFILM board members. Each team participated in a post-screening Q&A, sharing reflections on their creative process and what they learned. As a final capstone, campers were invited on an exclusive tour of the Pixar campus, where they witnessed concept artwork from their latest release, Elio and more–a special opportunity made possible by longtime Pixar animator and animation supervisor Bret Parker.

One parent writes, “This was truly a memorable experience. We appreciate all the hard work you all [SFFILM] put into challenging the students with their creative thought process and provoking them to work collaboratively in such a limited timeline. I’m so happy we got to witness their process and finals in their presentations!”

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SFFILM is a nonprofit organization whose mission ensures independent voices in film are welcomed, heard, and given the resources to thrive. SFFILM brings the most exciting films and filmmakers to Bay Area movie lovers all year long. To be the first to know what’s coming, sign up for our email alerts and watch your inbox.