Short Course in Ethnographic Documentary
The course is addressed to beginners who want to learn the technicalities of camera use, editing and sound recording, applied to the specific perspective of ethnographic documentary and visual anthropology.
Over the course of two weeks, you will learn how to shoot, make and edit films using a range of professional and/or easily available equipment. The course will include classes in visual methods, in using film and sound in research, the analysis of different documentary genres and instruction in audiovisual media across a range of platforms for disseminating research and achieving impact. Participants have come from all over the world and have previously included leading international academics, people from arts and scientific disciplines, teaching and NGO backgrounds, MA and PhD students, and University of Manchester staff.
Fully Booked!
The 2026 short course in ethnographic filmmaking is now fully booked. Please sign up using the form below to join a waiting list and be offered a place in case of cancellations.
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The 2026 course will be convened by Lorenzo Ferrarini and will include classes and workshops by Granada Centre staff. Camera and editing equipment will be provided by the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology. No previous filmmaking experience is required.
We’re happy to announce that for 2026 (the eleventh consecutive year) the total fees for the course have remained as follows:
- Students and concessions (unemployed, University of Manchester staff): £950
- Standard fee: £1150
- Professors: £1350
Take a look at a gallery of images from previous editions of the course:
These are some additional details about the content of the course:
- Introduction to visual anthropology with with professor Andrew Irving
- Using Sony FX6 4K professional cameras: framing, exposure, file formats, handholding and using tripods
- Setting up a healthy workflow: file management, backups, logging
- Practical exercises with the technique of editing in camera
- Sound recording with single system and double system, microphone types, placement techniques and related issues
- Shooting of a short documentary over the weekend in teams of two
- Editing in Adobe Premiere Pro in the edit suites of the GCVA Editing Lab
- Screening and feedback of footage shot by participants
- Advanced camera techniques with an award-winning filmmaker
- Collaborative and experimental methods
- Advanced sound recording with industry professionals
- Promoting and distributing your work: new channels for direct digital distribution and reaching a broader public
- Screening of documentaries and collective discussions in the GCVA 4k surround sound screening room
This is an example of a short documentary made during the course by first-time filmmakers Gillian Evans and Nicolau Arco Netto:
Short Course alumni say
The course was one of the most well-organized and informative courses I have ever been a part of. Not only do I come away from it with technical and theoretical knowledge, but the contacts, colleagues, and friends that I have made will be a part of my life and career for many years to come.
I highly recommend this course! In only two weeks I feel like I have learned the basics of filmmaking and would feel comfortable using these in a research project.
Great course! I believe that filmmaking practice for research is quite useless without theory. The short course provides both to a high standard.
The GCVA is one place where Deaf participants feel at home and learn on an equal basis.
I found the course inspiring and invigorating. The focus on enjoying the learning process helped me to feel free to make mistakes, experiment and have fun.
Experienced and inspiring tutors. Never thought I would learn so much in two weeks.
If you’re considering doing it, just do it! It will give you the foundational skills and principles, and crucially the confidence, to get out and film.