28 Jul KooliFilm International Film Camp, Estonia
It’s two weeks since I got back from Estonia and I’m still buzzing..!
I’m fortunate to do a LOT of work that, if I could afford to, I would happily do for free!However, Koolifilm International Film Camp –– a week of coaching young people in the writing, shooting and editing of short films –– would be top of my list for 2025.
The film camp takes place in Rannapungerja –– a two hour drive from Tallinn –– next to Peipsi Yärv (a massive lake) on the Russian/Estonian border.
The 29 young people – from Sweden, Brazil, Kurdistan, Georgia, UK and Estonia – were amazing – fuelling the week with the creativity, enthusiasm and energy it required.
After a quick lunch and room allocation we hit the ground running on Monday afternoon with a briefing to make a 2 minute film (scripted or documentary) shot on mobile and edited on mobile or laptop. They are quickly organised into production teams (which they name and brand) and immediately get into brainstorming story ideas to be pitched to the room at 10am on Tuesday.
Storytelling and costume workshops follow and then Wednesday we shoot for half a day (at a mining museum) and grab some time out at Lake Peipsi on the way home.
Wednesday evening and most of Thursday was editing with a 3pm deadline for screening planned for 6pm.
It’s a tight turnaround, but zero complaints, because everyone is doing what they love.
And not only did the teams deliver on their films but also within the brief was a requirement to capture and edit a 2 minute “behind the scenes/making of…” featurette to screen along side their main film. This task provides an opportunity to reflect on the process and fun of filmmaking, exercising their interview skills and sharing some bloopers.
If there’s ONE downside it’s the mosquitos.
But I haven’t itched for over a week now, so…
A huge thank you to my amazing colleagues who share my passion for filmmaking AND education, both with a huge sense of fun. I can’t wait to do it again.
Although, before that we need to regroup to screen the films in Tallinn at the Koolifilm Festival on 31 October and 1 November. Get your tickets…
I shot daily vlogs (below) – also available on Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn!
Thank you Marija for the photos
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