As part of its commitment to creative education and hands-on learning, Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) recently hosted, under the organization of the Division of Audio-Visual Arts and Film, Department of Media Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, two dynamic "Filmmaking Workshops" at its Main Campus (Saturday, April 26, 2025) and North Lebanon Campus (NLC) (Saturday, April 12, 2025).
The workshops welcomed high school students from across Lebanon, with thirteen students from various schools participating at the Main Campus and 39 students from seven private schools joining the North Lebanon Campus (NLC) session. Ranging from Grade 11 to Grade 12, these aspiring filmmakers were given an immersive introduction to the world of audio-visual storytelling.
Each workshop began with a detailed presentation of the Audio-Visual Arts major at NDU, covering academic requirements, course structure, career prospects, and the unique benefits of pursuing a BA in this field. Students then viewed a Senior Films trailer that showcased highlights from past student projects, offering inspiration and insight into the program’s creative output.
Participants were given a guided tour of the division’s professional studios and facilities, where instructors provided in-depth explanations of the equipment and resources available. This was followed by an interactive session on cinematography techniques and basic shot types, during which students operated a camera connected to the main studio screen. They also attended an introductory editing session in the Mac Lab, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software in preparation for their own film projects.
Students were then divided into groups and challenged to shoot and edit a short film within two hours using only their mobile phones. Throughout the exercise, instructors were present to offer guidance and technical support.
The workshop concluded with a screening of the completed films in the TV studio. Each group presented their work to a jury panel, which provided constructive feedback and commendation. Participation certificates were distributed to all attendees, along with first, second, and third place certificates for the top-performing teams.
The Filmmaking Workshop offered students a creative, collaborative, and confidence-building experience while showcasing the strength of NDU's Audio-Visual Arts program.