About Us
Belfast Film Academy
Since 2013, Belfast Film Academy has been giving people in Northern Ireland the chance to learn film by making films. Our flagship DIY Film Class takes participants from script to screen in 12 weeks, with hands-on production days that replicate real on-set environments.
We offer courses in DIY filmmaking, youth film, documentary, stop-motion animation, and phone filmmaking, all led by industry-active tutors with at least five years’ on-set experience —many of whom are former students. All new tutors complete our in-house "Training the Trainer" programme to ensure high-quality, inclusive delivery.
The Academy also partners with charities, community groups, and local industry, using filmmaking as a tool for confidence, creativity, and employability. Alumni stay connected through a mailing list and opportunities including placements with Lamb Films, helping participants continue developing skills and experience.
Through practical, creative, and community-driven training, Belfast Film Academy supports the growth of a skilled and diverse screen workforce in Northern Ireland.
Larry Cowan
Larry Cowan has been making and teaching films for over 15 years. In 2013, he founded Belfast Film Academy to give people in Northern Ireland an accessible, hands-on, and fun way to make movies**—from script to screen.
As the founder of Lamb Films (est. 2007), Larry continues to bring stories to life on screen, including his latest project Rozkvet 2026, a gripping World War drama. He collaborates with Wheelworks, Kings Trust, Community Arts Partners, and the Prison Arts Foundation, using film as a tool for creativity, skills development, and community engagement.
Larry believes all you need for a great film is imagination, heart, and determination—a philosophy he brings to every project, every course, and every aspiring filmmaker he works with.
Caitlin Joyce
Caitlin Joyce is a filmmaker and editor who has been working with the Belfast Film Academy for over five years. During this time, she has taught numerous courses and classes with a wide range of groups, including the Academy’s Deaf Film School. Her work within the Academy’s community outreach includes Staying Here, a community-based film project developed in collaboration with young people from South Belfast.
Alongside her teaching practice, Caitlin is an experienced editor. She is the editor of Lamb Films’ latest feature film Rozkvet and regularly edits adverts, live events, and various freelance projects. She also edited the Belfast Film Academy’s most successful short film, Flags and Emblems, which was created with two BFA classes and premiered at the Denard Film Festival in France.
Caitlin studied Film at Queen’s University Belfast, where she obtained a First Class Honours degree.
Thomas Pollock
Thomas Pollock is a filmmaker, director and producer who has been working with the Belfast Film Academy for approximately five years. He studied film in both the United States and Northern Ireland, developing a strong foundation in narrative filmmaking and production.
Thomas directed the feature film Rozkvet (2026) and the Belfast Film Academy short film Flags and Emblems (2023). He also produced the feature film Unholylands (2025).
Thomas also directed and facilitated Neon Saints, a community-based short film, storytelling and film education project developed with young people from South Belfast. His work spans education, community engagement and professional production, with a focus on supporting emerging talent and delivering ambitious screen projects.
Kat Clynes
Kat Clynes is a filmmaker, facilitator and content creator who has worked with Lamb Films and the Belfast Film Academy across a range of practical filmmaking and community-based projects.
As a facilitator and tutor, Kat has delivered training in Phone Filming, DIY Film Level 1 and Social Content Creation. Her teaching focuses on helping participants develop accessible, practical filmmaking skills—from planning and shooting content to understanding visual storytelling and creating engaging work for social media platforms.
Alongside her teaching practice, Kat worked as a crew member on Neon Saints, a community-based short film developed with young people from South Belfast. Her experience across production and training allows her to bring current, hands-on industry knowledge into the classroom, supporting participants as they develop their confidence, creativity and technical abilities.
Kat recently graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a degree in Film.