Reel Stories Filmmaking Boot Camp Summer 2026

Program Overview

For 13 years, Reel Stories has worked to close the gender gap in the film industry. At Reel Stories, young women and gender-expansive youth learn the craft of filmmaking, sharpen their media literacy, make industry connections, and create films that represent themselves and inspire others. Join us this summer to share your stories, your audience is waiting!

Reel Stories is a creative space where students can show up fully as themselves, and where queer and trans youth are welcomed, supported, and celebrated.

The Reel Stories Boot Camp is for girls and gender expansive youth ages 11-15, who are new to filmmaking - no experience required!

The Reel Stories Boot Camp is the perfect opportunity for students looking to get their first introduction to the world of movie-making. In this 5 day camp, students will write, film, and edit their own narrative movies using easy to access technology that they can use at home to continue their filmmaking journey.

Boot Camp will conclude with a film festival at a local Bay Area theater where students screen their films for friends and family. After camp ends, Reel Stories staff submit camp films to festivals throughout the year. Reel Stories films have shown at film festivals such as: The Mill Valley Film Festival, POWfest, All-American High School Film Festival, Bay Area International Children’s Festival, Coven Film Festival, and many, many others.

WHEN: June 8th - June 12th, 2026, 9:00am-2:00pm

WHERE: Oakstop, 1721 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

WHO: Young women and gender expansive youth ages 11-15

FILM FESTIVAL DATE: June 13th, 11:30-1pm, location TBD

Reel Stories is designed as an affirming space for girls and gender-expansive youth, including queer and trans students. We respect chosen names/pronouns and storytelling that reflects the fullness of our students identities.

No filmmaker is turned away due to lack of funds.

We offer sliding scale tuition, pay-what-you-can options, and scholarships. Proof of income is not required, and applying for financial aid does not impact acceptance.

To discuss financial aid options, please contact: [email protected]

You can cancel your enrollment up to two weeks before the camp session you signed up for starts for a full refund, minus a $50 registration fee. If you need to cancel less than two weeks before your session of camp starts, and do not choose to swap to another session, we will not be able to issue you a refund.

Boot Camp introduces students to:

• Story structure and scriptwriting
• Visual storytelling and cinematography
• Editing fundamentals
• Media literacy and critical viewing
• Public speaking and pitching
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback

Students create narrative short films using accessible tools and edit their work in beginner-friendly software.

In addition to technical skills, participants build confidence, creative resilience, and collaboration skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Boot Camp will officially end at 2pm each day, but we wanted to offer an option for campers to stay until 3pm to match regular school pick up and drop off times and make it easier for their parents and guardians to pick them up.

During the optional media hour, a Reel Stories instructor will play curated short films and facilitate group discussions about the storytelling and filmmaking methods used.

Reel Stories is an Oakland-based program that seeks to close the gender gap in media by training, mentoring, and supporting the next generation of empowered filmmakers. Reel Stories is part of BAVC Media, a community hub and resource for media makers in the Bay Area and across the country, serving over 7,500 freelancers, filmmakers, job-seekers, activists, and artists every year.

For more information about Reel Stories summer camps, feel free to visit our FAQ section on our website.

For general questions, please email the team at [email protected]

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