Summer Film Camps

True West Summer Film Camps take campers through the process of creating their own short movie for the big screen – from script to shooting and beyond. In addition to hands-on filmmaking experience, campers enjoy complementary activities like music production or sustainable farming, provided by one of our partner organizations. Designed to spark creative exploration, foster collaboration, and develop technical skills, True West Summer Film Camps offer the ultimate summer experience for budding filmmakers in the North Bay. 

Camps are led by Director of Education Heather Murray and teaching artists Jesus Salazar Montero, Sandro Oliva, and Pamela Kennemore. Most sessions are designed for ages 7-12 years old with five full days of programming. For ages 13-14, the Future Filmmakers Camp is a half-day experience over two weeks.

Registration and Eligibility

2025 Summer Camps are now open for registration! Camp fees are $600 per student. In order to provide the best possible learning experience with a lower student-to-teacher ratio, we have adjusted our pricing this year. Classes will be limited to 16 students each. We offer full and partial scholarships, and no student will be turned away due to lack of funds.

If you have any questions, or to learn more about our programs, please contact us.

Camps taking place in 2025

Jun 23–27  |  Healdsburg
Game Makers + Movie Makers Camp

Jul 14–18  |  Healdsburg
Music Production + Filmmakers Camp

Jul 21–25  |  Healdsburg
Adventure Farms + Documentary Camp

Jul 28–Aug 1  |  Healdsburg
Adventure Farms + Filmmaking Camp

Jul 28–Aug 8  |  Healdsburg
Future Filmmakers Summer Camp 13+

Aug 4–8  |  Healdsburg
Art Makers + Film Makers Camp

Please be sure to read our summer camp terms and conditions.

**Camp activities are subject to change and parents will be notified prior to start.**

Meet Our Teaching Artists

Heather Murray headshot

Heather Murray

“My teaching philosophy is focused on the particular ways the fun and self-expression of filmmaking simultaneously encourages self-confidence and empathy in the filmmakers. When young filmmakers are invited into a space in which they can be vulnerable and take chances when using their imagination, their self-worth increases considerably. In order to make a film, however, they must collaborate with others. Working on a film crew means negotiating to make decisions and working toward a shared goal. In the process of making and watching films, they are also increasing their media literacy skills so that they are better prepared to interpret other forms of online programming and social media. I feel very lucky to support students in this process.”

Heather (she/her) is a videographer who worked as an art history college instructor, a museum director, and an art curator before shifting to video production and editing. She has created promotional videos for many Sonoma County nonprofits, businesses, and visual artists, and has collaborated with several local bands on music videos.

Jesus Salazar Montero headshot

Jesus Salazar Montero

Jesus (he/him) is a Sonoma County local with a passion for film. After completing the SRJC’s film program, Jesus is currently pursuing a degree in Cinema at San Francisco State University. Jesus works as a Teaching Artist at True West Film Center and loves all aspects of film from screenwriting, to production, and especially editing. Jesus is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach what he’s learned to the youth of Sonoma County!

True West Film Center educational programs are supported in part by these funders:

 
National Endowment for the Arts
Creative Sonoma
California Arts Council
Sonoma County Vintners
Community Foundation Sonoma County
CARE Foundation
BeastGrip
FiLMiC Pro
 
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