Healing Through Cinema Workshop

Join us for a specialized series that explores the transformative power of the moving image. This workshop provides a professional yet supportive environment to explore Film Poetry as a medium for self-expression and emotional healing. Whether you are a dedicated cinephile or a curious beginner, this series offers a unique space to merge technical cinematography skills with personal narrative.

Location: 1229 N North Branch St, Chicago, IL (Goose Island) & Harold Washigton Library.

Time: Saturdays | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Session 1: Introduction to Film as Healing | March 28

Icebreaker: Sharing personal reflections on the psychological impact of cinema.

Lecture: Defining the "Film Poem" and its role in externalizing internal states.

Screening & Analysis: Exploring the American Avant-Garde through Jonas Mekas and Maya Deren.

Session 2: Visual Storytelling Basics | NEXT SESSION: April 11

Demonstration: Technical overview of camera angles, shot composition, and cinematography.

Practical Exercise: Hands-on shooting in the dance studio to illustrate visual storytelling principles.

Discussion: Analyzing how framing and light evoke targeted emotions.

Session 3: Sound & Music in Film | April 18 - Harold Washigton Library

Lecture: The architecture of sound design and its influence on atmosphere.

Listening Exercise: Deconstructing scenes to understand the marriage of audio and visual.

Creative Practice: Experimenting with sound effects and scoring for silent film clips.

Session 4: Introduction to Film Editing | April 25 - Harold Washigton Library

Demonstration: Mastering rhythm through cuts, transitions, and pacing.

Hands-on Practice: Applied editing exercises using provided workshop footage.

Discussion: How the edit shapes the final narrative arc and emotional resolution.

Session 5: Final Project Showcase | May 2 - TBD

Culmination: Presentation of final 2–3 minute film poems.

Sharing: Participants will share links to their final projects for group reflection and celebration.

Communication & RSVP: > Once you register for the workshop, you will be contacted via email to RSVP for each individual session. Because the workshop is self-funded and held in a professional studio, confirming your attendance is essential for us to secure the space. All class materials, links, and resources will also be sent directly to your registered email.

Stay Connected: > All updates and community highlights will be shared on our Instagram. Please follow us to stay in the loop, and feel free to share our posts with friends who might find healing through the lens!

@Cinema_heal

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Nadia Quito