For two weeks in the summer of 2024, the Beirut Film Center came alive with the energy, curiosity, and creative spark of young aspiring filmmakers. The Basic Filmmaking Bootcamp welcomed participants aged 16 to 25—some of whom had never touched a camera before—and guided them through a truly transformative journey.
This wasn’t just a technical workshop. It was an immersive process designed to explore the art of visual storytelling from every angle—starting with the fundamentals of narrative structure and leading all the way to the final cut. Participants were challenged to think deeply, collaborate intensely, and create fearlessly.
From day one, students learned how to craft compelling stories. They studied the core principles of screenwriting, how to shape character arcs, and how to build narratives that resonate emotionally and intellectually. The workshop moved fluidly into hands-on learning with cameras, lights, and sound equipment, giving each participant a well-rounded understanding of how to visually and sonically construct a scene.
They explored the art of cinematography, learned to manipulate lighting to create mood and depth, and paid special attention to capturing clean, intentional audio—a vital but often underestimated element of filmmaking. This deep dive into each technical department empowered the students to take control of every aspect of production.
But the real magic happened when the bootcamp became a collaborative film set. The group worked together to write an original script titled “Who Am I”, a powerful and emotionally raw short film about mental health—a topic that remains taboo in much of Lebanon.
“Sami, a 20-year-old young man, is being investigated for the murder of his sister. Through this journey, we delve into the taboo topic of mental health in Lebanon.”
This wasn’t just a storyline—it was a conscious choice. At BFC, we believe that cinema is a tool for change. Our workshops aren’t only about training filmmakers; they’re about raising awareness, questioning norms, and giving voice to urgent social and environmental issues. We challenge our students to confront real-world problems and channel their creative energy into films that matter.
Once filming wrapped, students moved into the post-production phase—where they learned the skills of editing, sound design, and color correction. They watched their raw footage transform into a finished work of art, gaining not just technical skills but a deep respect for the process of creation.
The result? A meaningful, student-led film that reflects the core of BFC’s mission: empowering young voices, amplifying underrepresented stories, and using the art of filmmaking as a catalyst for social change.
At the Beirut Film Center, filmmaking is not just about image and sound—it’s about responsibility, awareness, and transformation. And this bootcamp proved that when given the tools, time, and guidance, young people are more than ready to take on the world—one frame at a time.
