Smartphone Stories: Pocket Cinema

Next date: Sunday, 26 July 2026 | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Get ready to unleash your creativity with Smartphone Stories: Pocket Cinema!

Pocket Cinema is a unique filmmaking experience for storytellers, creatives and curious beginners who want to explore humanistic film using the ubiquitous smartphone as the main camera.

Over three Sundays, a small group of participants will work together to create an original short film inspired by real experiences, personal memories and the moments that connect us.

Rather than beginning with cameras, equipment or technical jargon, Pocket Cinema begins with a simple question:

What truth about being human are we exploring?

Through a series of guided story and filmmaking exercises, participants will discover themes, develop a screenplay, learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling, and collaborate in creative roles including writing, directing, acting, camera, sound, production design and editing.

Using smartphones as our primary camera and simple professional filmmaking techniques, the group will create, shoot and edit a completed short film by the end of the program. We will premiere our film as part of the Altona Beach Film Festival on Saturday 19 September 2026.

No filmmaking experience is required.

Whether you're interested in storytelling, acting, photography, music, writing, design or simply trying something new, Pocket Cinema offers a supportive environment to learn by doing – in the fabulous Woods Street Art Space.

Dates

This is a three-day workshop. Your registration includes attendance at all workshop dates. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.

• Sunday 26 July 2026 | 10am–5pm
• Sunday 9 August 2026 | 10am–5pm
• Sunday 23 August 2026 | 10am–5pm

 
About your trainer

Daniel Schultheis is a filmmaker, educator and community arts practitioner with more than 30 years' experience in screen production, filmmaker development and creative education. Inspired by the possibilities of smartphone filmmaking, he founded Smartphone Stories in 2019 to empower people from all backgrounds to create compelling films using the device already in their pocket. Daniel is the founding committee member of Cinespace Inc., a Melbourne-based not-for-profit supporting culturally diverse screen voices, and has developed and led numerous filmmaker training initiatives across Australia, including ten years as training manager with Open Channel. An International Specialised Skills Institute (ISSI) Fellow studying microbudget filmmaking, his work spans independent feature films, television, documentaries and community storytelling, with a particular passion for using accessible filmmaking as a tool for creativity, inclusion and social connection. Learn more about the program facilitators at www.smartphonestories.com

Bookings

Ticket options include morning tea plus catered lunch over three days ($120) - or a morning tea only option if you want to bring your own lunch ($30).

Please contact us if you’d like to be involved but cost is a barrier.

Visit www.cinespace.org.au for sample lunch menu, and other terms and conditions.

Book now

This workshop is presented by Cinespace and Smartphone Stories, with funding support from a Hobsons Bay Council Make It Happen grant.

When

Location

Woods Street Arts Space, 44 Woods Street, Laverton, 3028, View Map