A week-long intensive on Orcas Island, Washington
June 7 - 14, 2025
Eastsound Bay at dawn
Program Equipment Food and Lodging Cost Transportation About Us Contact Registration
The course focuses on two broad issues: understanding 16mm celluloid film as a hands-on artistic medium, from its chemistry to its practical applications, and exploring how filmmaking can relate to the environs of the San Juan Islands. We will study in depth how photochemical film works. From this knowledge, we will address, on the one hand, the standard commercial materials and processes and how to use and manipulate them, and, on the other, how to create our own materials and processes, as well as places and ways to work. We will project films on the ocean's shore, under the stars. Meanwhile, we will make numerous expeditions to locations around Orcas and other islands, exploring the marine environment on land and both on and under water. The week will be filled with screenings, discussions, lectures, and immersion in a beautiful place. Plan to arrive on Saturday, June 8th, and stay until Saturday morning, June 16th. Friday night will be our final party and screening of what we've done.
We will be working mostly in 16mm, and may also use some Super 8 depending on the interests of the participants. We will have several Bolex and Kodak Cine Special cameras, as well as a Bell and Howell Underwater camera (and feel free to bring Your Own Camera, if you have one!). All chemistry will be provided, as well as standard film stocks (Kodak 7163 HiCon, 7302 B+W print Stock, and Double X). We will have printing and editing equipment, projectors, souund recorders, microphones, etc..
Free (and beautiful) camping is the suggested way to go. The waether is mild and dry at this time of year. A limited number of rooms are also available for an additional fee; please contact us right away if you're interested indoors. Meals are an integral part of the experience, and all the food is vegan and as local as possible, prepared by our amazing chef, Cynthia Sliker -- though we may include some local seafood that we catch ourselves!

Early Registration Cost (if paid in full before February 3, 2025): $850 full / $750 students

On February 3, the registration cost will increase somewhat, so register today!

The workshop cost includes film, film equipment and chemistry, classes, class materials, camping, food, and transportation on the island. Transportation to and from Orcas Island is not included.
We will pick you up at either the ferry terminal or float plane dock on Orcas. If you fly into Seattle, then take the Belair Shuttle to the Anacortes ferry terminal, and get on a ferry to Orcas island (Note that the summer schedule isn't up yet...). Please check schedules and fares at the links above and see what works. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Orcas Island by float plane on Kenmore Air to West Sound or Rosario (which is beautiful, but much more expensive).
Biographies:
Email:

Or by mail:
Handmade Film Institute
1124 Ridge Road
Ward, CO 80481

Early Registration (if paid in full by March 30, 2025): $850 full / $750 students
Regular Registration (as of March 31, 2025): $950 full / $850 students

On March 31st, the registration cost will increase somewhat, so register today!

You may pay in full, or start by paying a deposit. A deposit of US$300 will hold your place in the camp. The balance is due on or before arrival at the camp. Both the deposit and balance are non-refundable, except in the very unlikely event of cancellation on our part. You can send us a check at our address, 1124 Ridge Road, Ward, CO, 80481, or pay online using the buttons below: