Film & Architecture Studio 2026 - We Are The City
An introduction to the language of film as a way to explore the relationship between film, cities and architecture, supervised by architect, curator, and filmmaker Jord den Hollander. Taking place between 04 September and 08 October 2026.
The participation fee for the course is 250 euro. Limited spots available. Registration deadline 03 August 2026.
Join us for the 2026 edition of the Film and Architecture Studio, supervised by architect, curator, and filmmaker Jord den Hollander! It is a multi-day course that offers an in-depth introduction to film as a tool for exploring the relationship between cities, architecture, and storytelling.
Over the past ten years the acclaimed Film and Architecture Studio has proved itself as the world’s leading course on the relationship between film, cities and architecture. Students from more than er 35 different countries attended the course over the past decade, developing their skills in filmmaking and storytelling, while gaining deeper insight into contemporary urban issues. The course teaches participants how to translate those into gripping stories.
Following successful editions in Beijing, Mexico City, Tirana and Kyiv, the course has set a new standard in collaboration with the Independent School for the City, supervised by award winning filmmaker and architect Jord den Hollander.
This year marks a special anniversary edition, focusing on the importance of shared values in an increasingly fragmented world: We are the City.
We are the City
Two major events recently shaped the city of Rotterdam: the opening of Fenix, a museum dedicated to migration and movement, and the Dutch Museum of Photography. Both are housed in buildings that are great examples of adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Each, in its own way, reflects the dynamics of life in the city as one of constant change and lasting memory. Fenix focuses on the ongoing flow of migrants. The Photography museum on preserving a permanent archive of images.
In “We are the City” we will explore the effects of temporality and permanence. We will search for the word “we” in a world that becomes more segregated and alienated. How has this shift influenced the way cities are planned? And how can film help us better understand the forces shaping urban life?
Course Structure
Over the span of five weeks, participants will learn to use filmmaking as a research method to better understand urban environments. The course focuses on crafting narratives that connect architecture and the city, culminating in the creation of a short film of around two to three minutes by each participant. Rather than emphasising technical filmmaking or post-production, the studio prioritises scriptwriting and the development of a clear, compelling narrative. Film is approached as both a research tool and a medium for organising ideas and telling stories about the built environment.
At the core of the program is an intensive period spread over two consecutive Fridays and Saturdays, with a Wednesday evening session in between. During this time, participants develop a concept for their film in relation to the theme “We are the City”. You will work on a script, shoot footage, and produce a first draft. Tutor Jord den Hollander and the team of the Independent School will provide you with input and inspiration, and together with the other participants we’ll discuss everyone’s progress.
Following the intensive sessions, participants can take part in two online tutoring sessions leading up to the final presentation. The program concludes with a closing event and premiere party, where all films are presented and discussed. Over time, this closing event has grown into a lively and festive gathering, bringing together participants and their friends, with alumni and professionals from the creative field.
Preliminary Programme
Friday 4 September
10:00 – 10:30 Welcome & Introduction
10:30 – 12:30 Introduction on Film & Architecture by Jord de Hollander + conversation
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 – 14:15 Short presentations (tbc)
15:30 – 17:00 Collective conversation on ideas and possible concepts with participants
Saturday 5 September
10:00 – 11:00 Conversation on first ideas
11:00 – 12:30 Screening of a selection of short videoclips by Jord den Hollander
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 – 16:00 Participants work on a concept/story board for their 2-minute film
16:00 – 17:30 Presentation of concept / script
Wednesday 09 September
18:00 – 20:30 Discuss progress and receive feedback.
Friday 11 September
10:00 – 13:00 Go out in the city, continue your research and filming
13:00 – 15:30 Discuss progress and receive feedback
15:30 – 17:00 Conversation with a Director of Photography
Saturday 12 September
10:00 – 14:00 Go out in the city and continue filming
14:00 – 17:00 Discuss progress and receive feedback
Wednesday 16 September
18:00 – 20:30 Online session on progress and final feedback
Wednesday 23 September
18:00 – 20:30 Online session on progress and final feedback
Thursday 08 October 2026
19:00 - 21:00 Public screening of the short films
About Jord den Hollander
Jord den Hollander is an architect, curator, and filmmaker, who has made documentaries about art and architecture, has written and directed an internationally acclaimed television series for children about art and science. He was one of the founders of the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam, the world’s biggest architecture film festival, and designed a unique oeuvre that includes an architecture center for children in Almere, a mobile kid’s library, a floating hotel and a tensegrity bicycle bridge.
Examples of previous courses