On-Location Advanced Filmmaking Program
This brand-new, advanced five-week summer program is designed for students ready to push their craft further. The Advanced Filmmaking Program includes a two-week on-location trip (destination to be announced) where you will practice documentary filmmaking in real-world settings (domestic or international). Back on campus, you’ll deepen your production and editing skills, work with seasoned mentors and tackle themes of place, story and impact. The result: a sophisticated short documentary produced by your team, equipped not only with technical know-how but a global perspective as well.
Duration
5 weeks
Slots
18 students maximum
Dates
Monday June 29, 2026 — Friday July 31, 2026
Hours
12.30PM — 5.30PM, Monday — Friday
Location
Foundry United Methodist Church
1500 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Pricing
The course is free of charge for all participant except for the application fees.
Application fee for DC residents is $75.
Application fee for anyone living outside of DC is $95 *
* Students from outside of Washington DC are expected to cover travel and lodging for the 2-week On Location portion. The estimated cost for living expenses for the 5 weeks of program is between $1,000 – $2,500.
About the On-Location Advanced Filmmaking Program
Elevate your filmmaking skills with our exciting five-week summer program designed for high school filmmakers ready to explore their creativity. From June 29 to July 31, 2026, at the Foundry Church, you will go on an adventure beyond the classroom to discover the art of storytelling.
Spend two busy weeks filming on location, where you will learn about documentary filmmaking in lively real-world settings (destination to be announced soon). This is your chance to try new techniques, capture memorable moments, and tell powerful stories that connect with people.
After returning from the trip, you will improve your production and editing skills. You will work with experienced mentors who are eager to help the next generation of filmmakers. You will explore important themes related to place, narrative, and impact, allowing your creativity to shine as you tackle real challenges in documentary filmmaking.
In the end, you will create a short documentary that shows your technical skills and your unique view as a filmmaker.
Are you ready to join us on this filmmaking adventure? Come and experience a summer that will turn your passion into great storytelling.
Who can apply?
In order to participate, applicants must prove to be between 14–18 years old.
No experience required. We can accommodate beginners and those with experience. You must attend 75% of the course to receive a Certificate of Completion and to be listed as Crew on a project. So taking a one week vacation is fine but please do not sign up in you know you will miss a lot of the course. This is not a drop-in experience.
Selection & Fee Payment
Our team will review applications upon reception. Applicants will be informed of our selection decision within a week after submitting the application.
Notices of selection will come with instructions to pay the registration fee. In order to confirm admission to the program, we ask all selected students to pay the fee promptly.
Need help applying? Do not hesitate to reach out for guidance about eligibility, timelines, or application forms → info@y-cam.org