NYC FILM , ANIMATION, AND MEDIA CAMPS FOR KIDS
CinemaKidz is New York’s premier filmmaking, animation, and media program for kids.
Cinemakidz is a Brooklyn-based youth arts STEAM educational program, offering children ages 5 -15 the opportunity to explore the world of movie-making in an engaging and interdisciplinary manner. We offer after school classes, birthday parties, summer and vacation camps, weekend workshops and free events throughout the city. Filmmaking is such an amazing all-encompassing process. Children who take our classes often realize passions they never knew existed. We work closely with every student to help them discover what they love about filmmaking. We see movie making as a means to explore the world around us in a hands-on exciting way. Our classes are interdisciplinary in their design; several include building, robotics, historical research and critical thinking skills, writing, art, engineering, and more.
How We Got Started
Founded in 2015 by Ingrid Aravena
Cinemakidz was founded by Ingrid Aravena in September 2015. Cinemakidz is partnered with over 100+ schools and organizations throughout NYC to facilitate after school classes and in-school field trips and workshops. Since 2020, CinemaKidz has expanded to the Greater Boston are to work with over 50+ public and private schools, as well as various community organizations to bring filmmaking and media arts to youth. CinemaKidz runs both school break camps as well as a bustling summer camp in NYC, and in Boston. The program serves 4000+ children every year.
Our Team
Experienced Educators and Industry Professionals
CinemaKidz has a core team of experienced staff working in the film and media industry. Teachers are thoroughly trained on positive reinforcement tactics, and inquiry-based education methods. Educators are flexible in their teaching methods and able to teach to children ranging from ages 5 up through 15 years old. CinemaKidz works hard to find the best, brightest, and most diverse team who can be a positive force for young minds.
Teaching Philosophy
Film, and media as a means to explore the world
We see film as a means to explore the world around us. The program focuses on kid-made projects from start to finish. Kids learn by exploring and having fun. CinemaKidz has developed a deep understanding of child cognitive development and the important role creativity plays in building self-confidence and critical thinking. The program is designed to engage children in ways that complement and enhance traditional education.
New York Based, and now Boston!
Accessible programming serving creative kids
CinemaKidz hosts birthday parties, workshops, after schools, and summer camps, making the program accessible for children and families. We have offered virtual programs since the pandemic and will continue to do so to serve children from around the country and beyond. New serving young creative kids in the Greater Boston area.
The CinemaKidz Team
Experienced Educators and Industry Professionals.
Christian – Assistant Director, Programs & Partnerships
Christian is a director and editor who has spent his life split between New York and California. He began teaching Summer TV camps in 2013 and found a passion for working with kids. He then studied directing and advertising at Chapman University Dodge College. Now living back in New York, he’s been a part of the CinemaKidz team for 5+ years and counting. In addition to teaching, Christian is an independent filmmaker who is currently working on music videos and narrative shorts.
Sydney – Assistant Director, Team & Creative
Sydney has been working as a professional filmmaker in Brooklyn since graduating from Binghamton University in 2014. She has always enjoyed working with kids, from teaching at Rock Band camp to producing an award-winning children’s short film. She is an avid painter and enjoys soccer, music, cooking and exploring New York City. A natural with kids of all ages, she can’t wait to make movie magic at CinemaKidz this year and beyond!
Fred – Team Coordinator & Senior Teacher
Fred graduated from Kenyon College, majoring in Creative Writing and Drama. He grew up in Rochester, New York, and has only recently moved to New York City in order to pursue new creative projects. He has lots experience with filmmaking, acting, and education, and is excited to share his passion for the arts with all our students!
Willow – MA Assistant Team Manager
Willow is a graphic designer from New Jersey, now living in Massachusetts! She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Experiential Design and called Nashville home for 7 years. She has spent the last 12 years working with kids, from nannying to running parts of a sleepaway camp. She can’t wait to help kids be creative!
Jonny – Events Manager & Senior Teacher
Jonny is a New York-based artist and filmmaker with a background in directing, writing, teaching, and theater arts. Originally from Seattle, Jonny moved to NYC to attend Pace University, where he graduated in spring 2021 with a degree in Film and a minor in Arts and Entertainment Management. Growing up in the theater world, he spent middle and high school teaching classes and camps.
Manny – New York Senior Teacher
Emmanuel is a seasoned enrichment teacher, with over five years in after-school program teaching in K-5 classrooms. He also has over fifteen years of music industry experience as a DJ, music producer, and videographer. His short film “The Girl of My Dreams” was featured internationally, awarded, and listed on IMDb. The full process of film production has always been a passion of his, and he’s honored to help our future creators have fun by getting hands-on experience filming.
Louie – New York Teacher
Louie is a filmmaker and artist born and raised in New York City. He loves working with media including comics, photography, collage, found footage, and animation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bard College. Having developed an early love for the arts at summer camps in NYC, Louie hopes to encourage each camper to discover their passions and creative voices. When Louie isn’t working, you can find them cooking for family and friends, caring for animals, or singing along to their favorite tunes.
Tarka – New York Senior Teacher
Tarka is a Brooklyn-based artist and educator from Seattle, Washington. Tarka has worked both in-school atmospheres with children, as well as in enrichment programming. They also led the Upper West Side CinemaKidz camp location in the summer of 2024/ They love guiding children through the art of media and filmmaking!
Katherine – Massachusetts Teacher
Katie is an animator with a degree from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. She has a total of 4 short films out, which have won awards in indie festivals like the My Hero Festival, Lift Off New York, and the Iron Mule Shorts Fest. She loves the process of making a film, from writing to storyboarding to editing, and she’s very excited to share her knowledge with the next generation of artists! I can’t wait to see you in class!
Sophie – New York Teacher
Sophie is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she received her BFA in the Undergraduate Film and Television program, and focused her studies on television and comedy writing, development, and directing. As someone whose passion for filmmaking was sparked when she was a kid still in grade school, Sophie is excited to join CinemaKidz to help bring that experience to the next generation! She spends her free time writing, playing Animal Crossing, ushering at theaters around NYC, and watching as much TV as possible.
Donald – New York Teacher
Donald hails from the great state of Michigan where his love of movies all started with creating silly YouTube videos with his friends. He recently received his MA in Film Production from Solent University in Southampton, England. Donald is now living in New York City, pursuing his dream of directing movies for a living. When not working, you can catch Donald at the movie theater. His favorite movie is Like Someone in Love.
Karim – Massachusetts Senior Teacher
As someone who is still starting the growth of their film career, Karim believes that teaching not only gives the opportunity for young filmmakers to tell stories through a screen, he also believes it gives voice to children and empowers them! Kids are bright and full of energy, and using the powerful medium of film can show that around the world! Karim is from Egypt originally, now living in Boston, and working on his own personal projects as well as teaching what he is passionate about to young minds!
Trinity – Massachusetts Teacher
Trinity is a 22-year-old based out of Boston and currently a MFA student in Film and Media Art at Emerson College. They enjoy the outdoors, skating, and finding new ways to be creative! They look forward to hearing the ideas that your students come up with and having so much making cinema together!
Kelly – New York Teacher
Kelly is an NYC-based artist who is passionate about integrating multimedia disciplines of the creative arts and the power of education to inspire resolutions toward building an authentic and creative community. At Queensborough Community College, she studies topics such as illustration, animation, editing, and photography. She is currently studying Film and Media Production at QCC and aims to express her purpose of building a safe and supportive community of artists from all walks of life!
Nick – New York Teacher
Nick is a filmmaker, writer, and actor with over 8 years of experience in classrooms. Originally from Minnesota, Nick is a graduate of Winona State University where he majored in Advertising and Creative Writing. He lived in Chicago where he pursued improv and sketch comedy and has been living in New York for six years where he continues that pursuit and loves sharing his passion for narrative with kids!
Nicole – New York Teacher
Nicole is a Mexican-American actress, filmmaker, comedienne, and now a proud teacher at CinemaKidz! She is now based in New York, where she got her MFA in Acting at The Actors Studio Drama School. Nicole is passionate about telling stories, helping others find their voice, and making art that will resonate. When she is not trying to take over the world, you can find her loudly FaceTiming her family in Mexico.
Mia – New York Teacher
Mia is a Brooklyn-based producer, writer, director, and actor. She recently graduated from Pace University with a BA in Film and Screen Studies and is the co-founder of the NYC production company, Western Star Entertainment Group. Her past leadership and childcare experience includes student teaching, running a college a cappella group, nannying, camp counseling, and performing at princess birthday parties. She is a passionate cinephile with a love of reading, singing, and traveling, and cannot wait to get to know some amazing cinema kids!
Huisang – Massachusetts Teacher
Huisang is a third-year student at Emerson College, pursuing a degree in Visual Media Arts with a focus in filmmaking and a minor in Business Studies. His current concentration is in film/video production and growing as a creative collaborator. He has a huge passion for expressing oneself through visual media. Recently, he wrote, directed, and produced his passion project, Whirlpool, which is currently in post-production; its premiere and festival run is planned to be announced in early 2025.
Michelle – Massachusetts Teacher
Michelle graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2022 with a B.S. in Mass Communications with a focus on broadcast production and videography as well as public relations. She has worked on broadcast productions for PBS and NESN and has had her work featured on ESPN SportsCenter. Michelle is now a freelance media specialist and helps small businesses create engaging content and grow their digital brand. She is an avid animal lover and has a deep passion for music, cooking, and sports. To unwind after a busy day, she likes to curl up with a good book, crochet, or hike with her dog.
Sam – Massachusetts Teacher
Hello! Sam is a current graphic design student who has a background in after-school education. He’s also currently a freelance videographer and filmmaker. He’s really excited to combine his passions for teaching children and the art of filmmaking. I’ll see you in class soon!
Juliana – New York Teacher
Juliana Baldassarre is a published, residency-awarded writer, and arts educator across NYC. She teaches stop motion animation, writing, video editing, and the fundamentals of filmmaking to students aged K-8.
Anya – Massachusetts Teacher
Anya is a graduate of UMass Amherst where she double majored in film studies and classical vocal performance. While Anya loves performing and singing, her true passion is film production. Anya aspires to write and direct her own work and is constantly working or brainstorming on projects. In her free time Anya enjoys cracking open a book, brewing up her own tea blends, going on walks with her film camera, and laughing with friends.
Tomás – New York Assistant Teacher
Tomás is a Peruvian multidisciplinary artist with a background in architecture. With experience in short films, music videos, animation, graphic design, and visual art, his work emphasizes creative visual storytelling. He is passionate about teaching students to find their personal voice by thinking outside the box and making things in their own way. He received his MFA in Film and Media Art from Emerson College and is currently based in Brooklyn.
Brian – New York Teacher
Brian is a Queens-based video producer and editor originally from Long Island. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Oswego University in Television and Film Production and makes a fantastic chicken noodle soup. On top of being a filmmaker, he is also a touring stand-up comedian on the weekends. He has worked a numerous arts organizations and summer camps working with children ranging from 5-to 15.
Eddie – New York Teacher
Eddie is a photography student and graphic designer from NYC with a strong foundation in the arts. Eddie has taught at various schools, summer camps, and afterschool programs. With experience as a cameraman on both feature and student films and a freelance photographer for diverse shoots, Eddie has honed a keen eye for composition and storytelling and a love for teaching. Beyond photography, Eddie enjoys athletic hobbies such as skateboarding, skiing, and playing college hockey.
Niko – Massachusetts Teacher
Niko is a seasoned film & media artist with experience teaching students K-12. By day he is also an Audio & Visual Technician working with many of the same materials used in his art life. With a huge passion for understanding the world through media and enriching the lives of people through art, Niko is thrilled to be part of the Cinemakidz team. He hopes to inspire every student in his class with his knowledge of art and technology.
Shannon – Massachusetts Teacher
Shannon is a film graduate from Cleveland State University. Boston has always been my dream destination, and she’s thrilled to bring my passion for filmmaking to CinemaKidz. With seven nieces and nephews, she’s developed a love for working with kids and nurturing their creativity. Outside of class, you can find her hanging out with her Dalmatian, hitting the gym, or dancing away. She’s excited to inspire the next generation of filmmakers in Boston with CinemaKidz!
Bennett – New York Teacher
Bennett is originally from Connecticut, a current Film Student at Pace University. He is currently working on his own projects and current thesis! Bennett has several years of childcare experience, including being an Assistant Director for Middletown Stage Company, a theater arts camp located in CT! Bennett loves film and theater, and hopes to continue to teach film for the rest of his career!
Ryan – Massachusetts Teacher
Ryan is a passionate educator and film industry professional with a deep commitment to inspiring young people to explore their creative potential. With a focus on teaching film, Ryan loves helping students by guiding them through the technical and artistic aspects of filmmaking. Outside the classroom, Ryan is currently active in the film industry, teaches film at Emerson College, and enjoys hobbies like photography, music, and outdoor adventures.
Miranda – New York Teacher
Charlotte – New York Teacher
Charlotte is an independent documentary filmmaker and 2024 NYU Tisch Film and TV graduate from Long Island, New York. Beyond filmmaking, she is experienced in graphic design, animation, and illustration. Charlotte has been working with kids since 2019 and is excited about combining her passion for child care with her love of cinema!
Connor – New York Teacher
Connor is a writer and filmmaker passionate about video production and editing. Originally from Connecticut, Connor graduated from Ithaca College with a BS in Cinema Production and Photography. He has since worked in all aspects of film production, from lighting, camera operation, and sound on short films and music videos, to editing high-level commercials and content for notable brands. Connor has previous experience as an elementary school teacher as well as a Cello teacher!
Peter – New York Teacher
Peter Vazquez is a writer/director/editor who has been making films in NYC since 2020. He finds working with students to be deeply rewarding, and cinema has been a lifelong passion for him. In his free time, Peter also occasionally acts and podcasts, and he is a diehard Miami Heat fan.
Sacha – New York Teacher
Sacha is a Brooklyn-based writer and filmmaker originally from Houston, Texas. She has 4+ years of production experience in various onset roles and has written and directed three original short films. Sacha graduated from Tufts University in May 2024 with a BA in Film and Media Studies and Political Science. She loves working with kids and helping them tap into their creativity, and she’s so excited to pass on her skills in film production to the next generation!
Ingrid Aravena – Founder, Director
Ingrid is a born-and-raised Brooklynite who loves filmmaking, making things with her hands, and most of all teaching children. After attending Bronx H.S. of Science, she went on to major in Film and Sociology at Wesleyan University, and graduated with high honors for her thesis film. Ingrid went on to work in the film industry in New York for several years, both in production and as an Editor. She then changed gears, and decided to work with children. Ingrid has spent over 12 years directing well-known NYC camps, and planning programming with schools and families. From directing hands-on woodworking S.T.E.A.M. programs, to organizing day camps for girls throughout the city, Ingrid has worked with and planned engaging activities for kids of all ages. She is passionate about empowering children through inquiry-based learning.
