The Craft of Video Essays- Documentary Film Making

A history and guide to using film & documentary, and editing to express a point of view in a visual way.

The video essay—a strange blend of art and argument, and able to be personal, practical, political, or all three.

It can be hard to define, easy to approach, and full of possibilities. Step-by-step, this workshop will teach you the craft of this medium which has found huge success online, as well as its little-known history and diversity.

We’ll go through the stages of developing an idea and an argument and establish a range of techniques available to express that idea in strong visual terms. You’ll leave with the foundation to make your own video essays at home based on your own interests, with tools that are accessible and flexible.

This workshop is a how to for visual work that takes the form of a documentary style arguments, in the style of traditional documentary film making as well as more rigorous explorations of social, political or cultural topics.

This is a must for all young filmmakers as a wider history and guide to using film and documentary and editing techniques to present and argue an idea in a visual way.

Find Resources on Documentary Making here

This program is designed for participants 14+

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

Ira Friedberg is an independent writer and filmmaker and has worked professionally in film and television development. He was a Summer Fellow at the State Library of NSW in 2025 for work on a novel and was previously a finalist in the IWC Young Creatives writing and winner in film categories.

ABOUT THE VENUE:

Emanuel Tsardoulias Community Library is accessible via a ramp from street Level

If you have any access or support requirements in order to participate fully, please let us know in the booking order form to ensure that we can arrange any reasonable adjustments. Please note: the venue is accessible for people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.