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SMARTPHONE STORIES
POCKET CINEMA
Pocket Cinema is a unique filmmaking experience for storytellers, creatives and curious beginners who want to explore humanistic film using the ubiquitous smartphone as the main camera. Over three Sundays, a small group of participants will work together to create an original short film inspired by real experiences, personal memories and the moments that connect us. Rather than beginning with cameras, equipment or technical jargon, Pocket Cinema begins with a simple question: What truth about being human are we exploring? Through a series of guided story and filmmaking exercises, participants will discover themes, develop a screenplay, learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling, and collaborate in creative roles including writing, directing, acting, camera, sound, production design and editing. Using smartphones as our primary camera and simple professional filmmaking techniques, the group will create, shoot and edit a completed short film by the end of the program. We will premiere our film as part of the Altona Beach Film Festival on (date). No filmmaking experience is required. Whether you're interested in storytelling, acting, photography, music, writing, design or simply trying something new, Pocket Cinema offers a supportive environment to learn by doing – in the fabulous Woods Street Art Space.
ACROSS THREE SUNDAYS PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GUIDED THROUGH THE BASICS OF SCREEN PRODUCTION THROUGH SMARTPHONE FILMMAKING.
❋ Create a story
Craft a story from your own experiences and tell a story that matters to you. Having the opportunity to create and share your own film.
❋ Celebrate your work
Completed films will have the opportunity to screen their work for family and friends at Altona Beach Film Festival in September 2026.
❋ Work with a team
Join a cohort of 10 other participants and learn how to work together. to create You will get the chance to experiment with different production roles.
❋ Learn fundamentals
This program will give you the chance to see the steps taken from coming up with an idea, planning and filming, and editing your work for screen.
Who is this program for?
Pocket Cinema is designed for young adults and adults aged 17+ and is open to anyone with an interest in creativity, storytelling and filmmaking. No previous experience is necessary.
Places are limited to ensure every participant has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the creative process.
THREE SUNDAYS
DAY 01
JULY 26th
10:00AM - 5:00PM
DAY 02
AUGUST 9TH
10:00AM - 5:00PM
DAY 03
AUGUST 23RD
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Book Your PLACE
Smartphone Stories believe everybody
can be a filmmaker.
Smartphone Stories are fun, interactive short workshops that give participants the skills and knowledge to be able to develop and make their own films, and tell their own stories, using a mobile phone to shoot and edit.
Led by expert facilitators we have already delivered workshops in more than 50 locations to more than 500 people including community settings, schools and organisations. This included a two-year project funded by VicHealth Everyday Creative Partnerships (2020-2022), delivered to more than 400 people across Victoria in partnership with 30 local Councils, and lead Council City of Port Phillip & Cinespace Inc.