Lights, Camera, Action: Craft a Short Film in Two Weeks!
Begin your filmmaking journey with our focused two-week course, perfectly suited for beginners. Hosted in the culturally vibrant city of Berlin, this English-language programme provides a comprehensive introduction to film production, from initial concept to the final cut.
Introduction
Welcome to the filmArche International Summer School 2026!
Begin your filmmaking journey with our focused two-week course in the culturally vibrant city of Berlin. Perfect for beginners as well as those with experience in certain areas of film, this English-language program offers a comprehensive introduction to the entire filmmaking process – from idea development to distribution. Engage in hands-on workshops that encompass screenwriting, pre-production, directing, and using professional equipment.
Together, participants will write their own scripts, then select four project ideas and form teams to bring them to life – embracing filmmaking as a deeply collaborative process where every voice shapes the final work. Working closely with your peers, you’ll co-create a documentary, fiction, or docu-fiction film, sharing roles, ideas, and responsibilities at every stage.
This program is tailored for aspiring filmmakers who are eager to learn in a dynamic, supportive and collective environment. No prior experience needed – just bring your passion for film, openness to collaboration, and creativity!
About filmArche
filmArche is the largest self-organised film school in Europe, with a diverse background of students and tutors. We put a special emphasis on self-organization and awareness: encouraging collaborative decision-making, creativity, responsibility and allowing each team member to contribute their unique skills through a democratic process. The practice of awareness involves anti-discrimination strategies to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all crew members.
Our Tutors
At filmArche, our tutors come from diverse corners of the globe, each bringing a rich tapestry of cultural insights and professional expertise to our film school. This international background ensures that our students receive a well-rounded and inclusive education, reflective of the global nature of the film industry.
Our tutors are not only accomplished filmmakers, screenwriters, and cinematographers but also passionate educators dedicated to the next generation of storytellers. Their unique skills span a wide array of disciplines within filmmaking, from directing and producing to editing and visual effects. This breadth of knowledge and experience provides our students with a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process.
Programme Highlights
This program is tailored for aspiring filmmakers who are eager to learn in a dynamic, supportive and collective environment. No prior experience needed – just bring your passion for film, openness to collaboration, and creativity!
Introduction to Self-organization: techniques for active involvement, navigation through challenges and spaces, conflict management and knowledge transfer.
Hands-On Equipment Training: Familiarize yourself with cameras, lighting, and sound equipment through hands-on workshops.
Idea Development: Start your filmmaking journey by learning how to brainstorm and refine initial ideas into compelling stories.
Screenwriting Essentials: Unlock the basics of scriptwriting, focusing on structure, character development, and dialogue to transform your ideas into a workable screenplay.
Low budget film production: Learn about creative and macro budgeting, alternative financing and Smart Production.
Pre-Production Techniques: Prepare for a smooth shooting process by mastering the creation of shot lists and shooting schedules. Learn how to organize and plan your film efficiently.
Directing Fundamentals: Step into the director’s shoes and learn how to guide actors or protagonists and manage a film set. Gain practical insights into visual storytelling and scene execution.
Afternoon Film Sprint: Kick off the program by diving straight into filmmaking. In small international teams, participants write, shoot, and edit a short film using their cell phones – all within a single afternoon.
On-Set Communication and Awareness: Learn essential communication skills and set etiquette to ensure a professional environment where everyone feels valued and no one is discriminated against during shoots.
Film Shooting Experience: Experience the excitement of filming. Apply your skills in a real shooting environment as you work alongside your peers to produce your own short film.
Post-Production: Delve into the editing process. Learn how to edit your footage, integrate sound, and use editing software to shape the final version of your film.
Distribution and Film Festivals: Gain an understanding of the film distribution process. Learn how to prepare your film for submission to festivals.
Application
Dates: Saturday 1 August – Sunday 16 August 2026
Location: filmArche, Lahnstraße 25, 12055 Berlin
Cost: 950 €
Early deadline: 15th May 2026
Final deadline: 31st May 2026Registration is conducted online via our application form on our website. Places are limited.
Early Deadline: May 15th 2026. Applications submitted by this date will be reviewed promptly. If accepted, you’ll have 8 days to confirm your participation by paying the fee.
Final Deadline: May 31st 2026. We will continue to consider applications until this date if spots are still available. Last payment deadline is on the 12th of June.
The fee includes participation in all workshops, course material, and access to equipment and facilities at filmArche. Over the course of two weeks, participants will receive approximately 70+ hours of instruction, including hands-on workshops, guided production time, and feedback sessions. A vegetarian daily lunch is provided on class days, along with a welcome dinner at the beginning of the program. Accommodation is not included and must be arranged individually by each participant. A certificate of participation will be awarded at the end of the course.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding your application to the summer school, please contact us! We aim to get back to you as quickly as possible.