SepTember 13-27,2026


Work on FILM this fall at KIAC

Over the past few years, the DCISFF has been running the Dawson Film Lab project. This has involved filmmakers (local and non-local) coming to Dawson City to experiment and work on media projects to enhance their craft.

An analogue film (8mm and 16mm) process workshop that involves the use of eco-safe developers using local plants and/or caffeine. Participants can also work with cameraless filmmaking, scratching or painting directly onto 16 or 35mm film.

An exclusive opportunity to work in Super 8 or 16mm film in a workshop environment from September 13-27 at the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture.

Open to all levels of artists.

  • Participants will be given instruction on either Super 8 of 16mm film production using either the Quarz super 8 cameras or the 16mm Bolex camera and hand processing film using eco-processing techniques. ( 5 bolexes and 3 Super8 cameras available)

  • Participants will be given 4 rolls of film (12 min, B&W) to work with. Additional rolls may be purchased.
  • 35mm clear or black film is availbale for cameraless filmwork, with hardware to transfer to digital.

  • Film can be transfered to digital format for post production.

  • Technical assistance will be available for all stages of production.

  • There will be 2 mandatory get-togethers: one at the beginning and one at the end of the workshop.

  • Participants can work at thier own pace (and times) and will have access to the KIAC Darkroom/Ballroom during the dates of the workshop (September 13-27).

  • This workshop is intended to allow media artists a chance to experiment with mediums and processes which may be used in future works. A final product is not required.

  • There are limited spaces and applicants must apply.
  • Cost is $100 and there are some scholarships available for the underfunded.
  • Travel and accomodations are not provided but we can help coordinate.
  • Applicants who have previously done this workshop may apply again.
 
Workshop Coordinator

Dan Sokolowski
Dan is the former producer of the Dawson City International Short Film Festival and has extensive experience
working in16mm film with his favorite camera, the BOLEX, as well as working in Super 8
and dropping his film into a variety of chemicals in the darkroom. (www.sokcinema.ca)

How to apply

• Submit an idea. All genres of filmmaking are eligible (Drama, documentary, animation, experimental, scratch on film,etc)

• Your ideas can be images or visual themes you want to explore. (Does not have to be a fully realized project plan)

Application form(PDF).

• Attach links to video works if applicable. (max 10 minutes)

• If you do not have video links you may send in
up to 10 images (1920 x 1080, 72 dpi max)

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We welcome applications by indigenous, bipoc and lgbtqia2s+ creators.

Send information to dawsonfilmlab@gmail.com with “Film Lab 26” in the subject line. Deadline to apply: July 15, 2026.
There are limited spaces. Applicants will be selected by an impartial jury.

Note: Applicants from outside Dawson City may do this workshop in a more compressed time frame.

 

Check out the previous film labs

2022 • 2023 • 2024 • 2025