Lights, Camera, Action… and a Whole Lot of Talent!
At College of Arts and Technology in Kelowna, our Professional Filmmaking students don’t just study film, they make it. Through hands-on projects and real-world collaborations, they bring their visions to life and sharpen the skills they’ll need for the professional industry.
Recently, our students took center stage at the Student Film Showcase, premiering a powerful lineup of original short films, documentaries, and music videos. Let’s dive into the night’s highlights and celebrate the storytellers behind the camera.
As we approach the end of this quarter, the Kelowna campus is buzzing with many celebratory events where students are given the opportunity to showcase the results of another term of hard work and passion.
Last night saw the Digital Filmmaking students hosting staff, friends, family and the community for their Student Film Showcase. 6 films were shown, covering everything from fictional short films to documentary style pieces.
“Strange Suspect” – A short fictional piece edited by student Kolton Gaboury was a detective drama shot on location here at College for Arts and Technology Kelowna.
“Finding Home” – Another short directed by Kolton Gaboury featured a film student finding himself through the perspectives of others.
“Brightside Darkside – Reckless” – Music video edited by Benjamin Musgrave featuring Electronic Music Artist Students and shot by Digital Filmmaking students on location in our production studio at the Kelowna campus.
“Survivors of War” – short film directed by Adam Ritz focused on three women searching for a family member after war had torn them apart.
“Natural Healing” – Directed by Brittany Allen, this documentary explored the benefits of natural healing methods and the public misconceptions surrounding them.
“Aidan Mayes and Mandy Cole – Heart Shaped Love” – Music video edited by Jamie Cottington featuring the talented musical styling of local vocal duo Aidan Mayes and Mandy Cole.
The night was a huge success and many of the crowd gathered at a local pub after the evening had concluded to further celebrate the achievements of this talented group of students. We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish in the future!
Special Thanks to the following contributors:
- Dakota’s Sports Bar and Grille
- Linda Widmer
- Kelowna International Hostel
- Laura Pelletier
- Howard Hisdal at Okanagan College
- The Ritz Family
Professional Filmmaking Program FAQ
Q: Do I need filmmaking experience to apply?
No prior filmmaking experience is required. Our program welcomes beginners and passionate storytellers ready to learn both technical and creative aspects of film.
Q: What types of projects will I work on?
Students create a wide range of projects including short films, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and experimental pieces.
Q: What equipment and software will I learn to use?
Students gain hands-on experience with professional cameras, sound equipment, lighting rigs, and industry-standard editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
Q: Are there opportunities to showcase my work?
Yes! Students regularly showcase their films at in-house screenings, community events, and have opportunities to submit to festivals.
Q: Will I learn about both technical skills and storytelling?
Absolutely. Our program emphasizes the balance between mastering the craft (camera work, editing, sound) and developing strong narrative storytelling.
Q: What career paths can I pursue after graduating?
Graduates work as filmmakers, editors, cinematographers, production assistants, screenwriters, and video content creators in a variety of industries.