Discover Filmmaking in Your Community – Join Our Free Adult Course!

Screen Education Edinburgh is excited to welcome applications for Through the Lens, our free, hands-on filmmaking course for adults living in North Edinburgh. Open to anyone aged 18 and over (with no upper age limit!), this programme is designed for those living in Crewe, Drylaw, East Pilton, Leith, Newhaven, Muirhouse, Pennywell, Royston, Salvesen, Telford, Wardieburn, Waterfront, West Granton, and West Pilton.

Learners will receive practical training in every aspect of the filmmaking process, including screenwriting, directing, producing, camera and sound operation, production design, and editing. You'll also engage with film through screenings and discussions, building your understanding before coming together as a crew to make your own professional looking short film rooted in your local community.

Alongside practical learning, the course features guest sessions with professionals from the film and TV industry, group cinema outings, and advice to support your next steps in the creative sector.

The final film produced on this course will have its premiere at the North Edinburgh Film Festival in March 2026.

Funded by Screen Scotland, The Robertson Trust, and City of Edinburgh Council, Through the Lens is designed to open doors to filmmaking in underrepresented areas, build creative confidence, support personal and professional growth, and reflect the diversity of our communities.

No experience? No problem. All you need is an interest in film and a willingness to learn.
The course is completely free, with snacks provided during sessions and bursaries available to help cover travel costs if needed.

Sessions will take place every Tuesday, 6pm to 8pm at Screen Education Edinburgh, 30 Ferry Road Avenue, EH4 4BA on the following dates:

October: 28th

November: 4th , 11th , 18th , 25th

December: 2nd , 9th , 16th

January: 6th , 13th , 27th

February: 4th , 11th , 18th , 25th

Filming and editing days will be 10am to 6pm on the following dates:

• Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th January
• Saturday 10th January

Applications for now closed.

Watch our Through the Lens: Making Of film for a behind-the-scenes look at the journey!