Filmmaking Class

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

Thanks to generous grant funding from NM Film Prize Jr, there is open enrollment for a new Filmmaking course at The Small School this year. The opportunity to join us for this wonderful experience is open to all New Mexico homeschoolers, free of charge. 

This course will give your student(s) the opportunity to explore the creative process of making movies—from brainstorming ideas and writing scripts to filming, editing, and sharing their final projects. Beyond simply making movies, this course emphasizes collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and creative expression. Here are some links directly from NM Film Prize Jr:

  • An article from the SF New Mexican about our 2025 festival. 

  • A short video featuring students and teachers talking about the program. 

  • Find more info and stream the 192 student films from last year's festival on our website. 

Educational Goals

  • Storytelling & Writing
    Students will learn how to transform their creative ideas into structured scripts. They will explore narrative structure, character development, dialogue, and pacing—skills that not only support filmmaking but also strengthen overall literacy and communication.

  • Critical Thinking & Planning
    Students will practice breaking big ideas into achievable steps through storyboarding, shot lists, and production planning. This process teaches organizational skills, time management, and the ability to problem-solve when creative or technical challenges arise.

  • Technical Skills
    Students will gain hands-on experience using filmmaking tools such as cameras, microphones, lighting, and editing software. They will develop media literacy by learning how visual and audio choices affect storytelling, and they will become comfortable using technology as a creative tool.

  • Collaboration & Leadership
    Because film is a team effort, students will take on different roles—director, writer, cinematographer, editor—and learn how each contributes to a project’s success. They will practice clear communication, decision-making, and leadership, as well as learning how to support others in a group setting.

  • Presentation & Reflection
    At the end of the course, students will see their short-film come to life on the big screen as they walk the red carpet & their film premieres at the NM Film Prize Jr Festival (March 20-22, 2026 at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque).

Details & Logistics

Age Groups: Middle School (Grades 5-8) + High School (Grades 9-12)

  • Schedule: Meeting times TBD based on student availability (preference form sent after registration). Students can expect weekly hour-long virtual meetings from mid October through the presentation deadline of November 21st. After this date meetings will be held during days/times determined by group members up through the film submission deadline of February 26, 2026.

  • Location: Google Meet & then transitioning to in-person sessions at The Small School (1850 Calle Medico Suite F, Santa Fe, NM 87505) or field trip/filming locations.

  • Duration: Mid-October 2025 to February 26, 2026 with the premiere weekend March 20-22, 2026

  • Tuition: Free! (Note that parents may need to provide necessary transportation)

Email us to enroll!