An an award-winning filmmaker is teaching Cortes youth about being in front or behind the camera this summer.

Jennifer Pickford is offering youth acting and filmmaking camps at Mansons Hall through the Summer Youth Recreational Program. The program runs this week and the week of August 14th.

The Southern Cortes Community Association (SCCA) annually offers a series of workshops for a range of local youth. This is the first year Pickford will be offering two programs: Acting for the Camera and Be the Media.

Pickford has offered similar programming for young people on neighboring Gulf Islands and noticed how the experiences can help students.

“The intention would be to have the students become more aware of what it's like to act," Pickford said. "And then the camera is there and they're comfortable with the camera.”

Pickford’s most recent work is a feature documentary called "Sacred India" which she developed over six years with her company Pickford Productions; the title has earned three awards. Pickford was also recognized by Victoria Times Colonist for Achievement in Entertainment as “Top 40 under 40 on Vancouver Island.” 

Since Pickford regularly spends time on Cortes Island, she is eager to continue offering similar courses in filmmaking in the future.

To hear more about teaching youth filmmaking on Cortes Island, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: