According to the youth organization “Avantis,” twenty young participants gathered in Liepāja for a free masterclass with director Staņislavs Tokalovs to learn the creative process of documentary filmmaking from idea to video format. The workshop is part of the “Young media sharks” project, offering teens aged 16 to 20 a chance to explore visual storytelling.
How the “Young Media Sharks” Project Shapes Young Filmmakers
During the one-day masterclass, twenty participants brought individual documentary film concepts to discuss with director Staņislavs Tokalovs before heading out onto the streets to shoot footage using smartphones. According to participant Alīna, the session offered a chance to explore a long-standing interest in cinema and understand how the industry works. Another participant, Hugo, noted that he has experimented with short films for social media since primary school and joined the masterclass to learn scene framing, scriptwriting, and video editing.
Did you know? The “Young media sharks” camp has graduated 400 young people this year, according to “Avantis” director Ilona Bičevska.
Director Staņislavs Tokalovs on Youth Technical Readiness
Director Staņislavs Tokalovs noted that many twelve- and thirteen-year-olds arrive with a strong grasp of technical foundations, such as mise-en-scène and lighting setup, whereas ten years ago, teaching started from absolute zero.
Despite strong technical capabilities, Tokalovs noted that students often face greater challenges with visual imagery and narrative construction. Participants explored diverse topics during the workshop, including peer and parental relationships, school environments, and boundary testing. According to the director, this format allows teens to externalize personal struggles, treating the storytelling process as a form of parallel psychoanalytical work.
Shifting Trends in Youth Media Consumption
Organizers have noted a sustained high interest in documentary filmmaking, building on previous workshops featuring directors Ivar Zviedris and Ivars Seleckis. “Avantis” leader Ilona Bičevska stated that it is surprising to see young people attracted not only to fast-click social media content, but also to sustainable stories capable of transforming into full-length films.
This evolving interest reflects a broader shift toward substantive digital media literacy among adolescents. While short-form platforms dominate daily screen time, structured mentorship programs provide a bridge toward long-form, narrative-driven visual arts.
Pro Tip for Aspiring Documentary Filmmakers
Focus on personal narratives that resonate universally. According to workshop mentors, framing a real-life challenge within a broader documentary concept helps creators communicate effectively without feeling overly exposed.
How to Apply for the “Young Media Sharks” Camp
The upcoming summer camp will take place in Sigulda at the end of August, marking its tenth anniversary. Free application spots are limited to 50 participants aged 16 to 20. According to project guidelines, applicants must submit a creative assignment in a documentary film format addressing the prompt, “What is it like to be a young person in Latvia today?” The deadline for submissions is August 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the “Young media sharks” project?
The free creative camp is open to young people aged 16 to 20 who submit a qualifying creative documentary assignment by August 10.
What do participants learn during the masterclass with Staņislavs Tokalovs?
Participants learn how to develop a concept into a video story, working on scriptwriting, scene framing, and mobile video shooting.
Where will the anniversary summer camp take place?
The camp is scheduled to take place at the end of August in Sigulda.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of youth documentary filmmaking? Share your perspective in the comments below, explore our related articles on media literacy, and subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming project deadlines.
Related reading