Claymation Film Workshops for Ages 4-14

Discover the art of filmmaking through this fun and interactive Claymation workshop designed for youth ages 4–14. Led by industry experts, participants will gain hands-on experience in character development, storytelling, and stop-motion animation—all while exploring the creative process from a filmmaker’s perspective.

This two-part workshop series includes:

• Workshop 1: Students will design their own character, including visual details and a back-story
• Workshop 2: Students will learn to animate their character and create a short Claymation film

🎥 Completed films will be showcased at the Youth and Student Film segment of the upcoming Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, providing participants with the exciting opportunity to see their work on the big screen.

📌 Created by PJIFF Director L. Mattock “Mattie” Scariot, the Youth Film Program empowers local youth to tell their own stories and discover future possibilities in the filmmaking world. Using family photos, original Kiowa art, and Winter Count calendars, Mattie shares how storytelling shaped her own journey as a filmmaker and author.

📚 Past workshops have attracted children and adults alike, with engaging discussions on cultural storytelling, identity, and creative craft. Each session fosters discovery, skill-building, and recognition for young creators.

🌍 The Festival takes place every April across Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Hollister, and San Juan Bautista, and draws more than 3,000 attendees from around the Bay Area and around the globe.

Check out the documentary made from the last class: (12) PJIFF’s Youth Claymation Class Documentary – YouTube