Lights. Camera. Action. Amplify, the City’s youth arts development program, is rolling out a whole new event for emerging artists. But this time the focus is on media, with the goal of supporting those young creatives interested in filmmaking.

“Film and video have been such a central creative outlet for decades,” says Kathleen Bell, Community Cultural Coordinator and the City of St. Albert’s Amplify liaison. “Now that everyone has a filmmaking device in their pocket, we really wanted to create a platform where Amplify can encourage filmmaking as an artform.”

With this in mind, the Amplify Advisory Committee, which is composed of 22 youth eager to make a positive impact on their community, set about imagining Amplify’s first film festival.  With the hopes of presenting the work of filmmakers from Grade Seven to age 21 up on the big screen at The Arden Theatre, the Committee created two paths to participate in the Festival, recognizing that getting started on a film project can be quite intimidating.

“First, young filmmakers with an idea can sign up to ‘Create Your Own Film,’” explains Bell. “By registering to create your own, you're committing to making a film over the summer and fall. So, you don’t need to have a movie ready to go at this point in time. Filmmakers are just expressing their interest in participating.”

Bell is quick to point out that they’ll happily accept all kinds of formats and genres when it comes to filmmaking: from animation to documentary and from experimental, abstract pieces to a traditional narrative.

“If an artist is interested in film, but has no idea how to get started, we have a second option, which is ‘Direct a Video,’” says Bell. “Directing a video will be more of a guided filmmaking experience, where we will provide the subject matter, either a poet or musician, and you’ll be walked through the process of making, say, a music video, by a professional videographer.”

No matter the format, the films will be screened on Monday, November 9, 2026, on the silver screen at The Arden Theatre. 

“We recognize that filmmaking is a lot of work and a big commitment,” says Bell, “so the screening will be a celebration of that hard work and the creativity of our young residents.” 

The deadline to apply is June 21, 2026. 

Learn More and Register

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Related Pages

Amplify's Film Festival ›

Amplify's Artist Alley: Summer Edition ›

Amplify ›