Amsterdam · Griffioen, VU · September 2026
A ten-week English-language documentary filmmaking course for beginners at Griffioen, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Develop multiple non-fiction ideas, film with a camera or smartphone, edit with DaVinci Resolve, and complete at least three short documentary films.
View the Course in AmsterdamThis practical workshop guides you through the complete documentary filmmaking process across ten weekly evening sessions. No previous filmmaking experience is required. The focus is on observation, storytelling, real people and places, and developing your own creative perspective. You will leave with at least three completed short documentary films and a certificate of participation.
Ten-week Thursday evening programme
Ten weekly Thursday evening sessions at Griffioen, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with hands-on practice and feedback between classes.
Location:
OZW Building, 6th floor
De Boelelaan 1109
1081 HV Amsterdam
From idea to finished films
Develop simple and achievable documentary ideas based on people, places, subjects or observations that interest you. Multiple short projects across the ten weeks.
Record real people, places and situations with your own camera or smartphone during the week between lessons. Receive guidance on camera technique and visual storytelling.
Shape your footage into clear and engaging short documentaries using DaVinci Resolve. Learn editing techniques with personal feedback each week.
Finish at least three short documentary films and receive personal feedback. Participate in the Japan–Netherlands student film exchange with participants in Tokyo.
About the teacher
Mani Nickpour is an Amsterdam-based filmmaker and film educator. Since 2006, he has worked across both film production and film education.
He currently teaches filmmaking at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Griffioen Cursussen Amsterdam, and works as a trainer and editor at AT5 (Amsterdam’s regional television station). From 2007 to 2014, he also taught at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie. His teaching combines practical filmmaking skills with visual storytelling, personal expression, and cultural exchange — including the ongoing Japan–Netherlands student film exchange.
Visit Mani Nickpour’s websiteOffered in collaboration with
This course is offered by Griffioen Cursussen at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in collaboration with filmmaker and educator Mani Nickpour.
Student assignments and completed short films are exchanged with participants of Mani Nickpour’s documentary filmmaking workshop in Tokyo, Japan — creating a unique creative bridge between Amsterdam and Tokyo. → View the Tokyo course
Maximum 15 participants
To ensure that every participant receives enough personal guidance, feedback, and individual attention, the workshop is limited to a maximum of 15 participants.
No previous filmmaking experience is required — beginners are very welcome!
Registration for this course is handled by DSZ Griffioen Cursus at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Apply via Email to GriffioenPractical information
Location:
OZW Building, 6th floor
De Boelelaan 1109
1081 HV Amsterdam
Course coordinators:
Brigitte Klijzing & Nicole Aalbers
cursus.griffioen@vu.nl
You can also visit the official course page on the Griffioen website for more information and registration options.
→ View course page on Griffioen website