Symbiosis XI
SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN / Deadline: March 1, 2025
This opportunity is exclusively for artists working with moving image media and filmmakers based in New York. Scientists from a variety of disciplines will already be selected from the Flatiron Institute by our partners at the Simons Foundation.
The filmmaking intensive program will take place in May 2025.
Watch Symbiosis films on Labocine.
Application Guidelines
Deadline: March 1, 2025 (11:59pm EST)
Mixer: April 1, 2025
Production Period: May 5-18 (Two Weeks)
Final Screening: May 19
Where: New York
Review the application guidelines below thoroughly. We’ll get back to you with news by mid-March. Still have questions? Write to us at sciencenewwave@labocine.com.
[1] Become a Science New Wave Luminary Member
This initiative is for Science New Wave Luminary Members. If you are not one yet, you can become one by following these steps below:
Sign up to Labocine
Subscribe to the Yearly Membership ($30 for the year)
Fill out your Habitat Profile (bio + photo) via Your Account
The Science New Wave Member Luminary status will then appear on your Account/Habitat profile next to your photo with a unique DNA sequence.
Learn more about SNW Luminary Benefits.
[2] Submit a 1-page cover letter (PDF) sharing a bit about yourself, why you’re interested in participating in the Symbiosis initiative, and how you relate to the Science New Wave movement and its ideas.
[3] Send us your video work via the Labocine platform.
If you are submitting a film (credits, edited), send us a screener via the Film Submission Portal. For raw footage/data (fieldwork, art installation, experiments) submit it via the Scene Submission Portal.
If you already have a video on Labocine, you're all set and do not need to resubmit this particular work! But feel free to submit more work—we’d love to see what else you've been creating and consider it for additional programming.
By default, all films/videos on Labocine are set to private and can only be viewed by those affiliated with the film and the Symbiosis Selection committee. Please note that we do not accept video links, as all films must be viewed directly on Labocine.
[Below is optional]
- CV/Resume
- Creative portfolio: In the email, send us any links to sites or attachments to other non-video creative work and/or research (articles, presentations, sketchbook/storyboard).
[Send by email]
- Email us: sciencenewwave@labocine.com
- Include in email title: Name - [SNW ID] (ex: Ringo Marquez - AGGGCATCAACC)
- Share your public Habitat profile in your email submission (ex: https://www.labocine.com/habitat/ringo)
[Mention/list in the email the material you are submitting to Labocine and included as links and/or attachments]
Symbiosis FAQ >>
Is Symbiosis no longer part of the festival in the Fall? That's correct—Symbiosis, now run by Labocine, has grown in popularity, and we’re experimenting with a new approach. It will now take place separately from the festival, in the Spring, in New York.
Who can apply? For this edition, only artists and filmmakers living in New York in the spring are eligible to apply. Scientists will be selected from the Flatiron Institute.
What are the key dates? We’ll be announcing specific dates soon, but here’s a general timeline: the filmmaker cohort will be announced mid-March, a mixer will take place at the end of March, a Symbiosis Lab meeting will be held mid-way through production in our SNW Lab, and there will be a final screening at the end of production.
Do you cover travel and housing expenses? No, we do not cover these expenses this time around as filmmakers must be living in New York.
Can I do any creative work in advance of Symbiosis? Creating this film should be an equal collaboration (thus the term Symbiosis) between scientist and filmmaker. This means that all visuals, sounds, subject matter and approach must be decided after meeting your scientist partner on the first day of the process. All creative work must take place during the 2 weeks of Symbiosis. That said, you will have a few weeks before the production to get to know the cohort and tell us who you’d like to be paired with ideally.
Can we include a film crew beyond the scientist and filmmaker? Yes, you can. However, all decisions regarding additional crew members should be made collaboratively between the scientist and filmmaker. We do want both of you to be very hands-on in all stages (concept, production, editing).
Are we expected to work on our films full-time? No, we understand that everyone has other commitments. However, please ensure you remain in the city for the full two weeks. All we ask is clear communication, planning to work together, and setting a schedule. This year, we’ve extended the production to two weeks instead of one to better accommodate this.
What kind of films are you expecting? The only condition is that films be under 10 minutes. Surprise us! We love films that defy categorization—innovative documentaries, gripping science fiction, fictional documentaries, experimental film, personal essays, and creative animation. We also support sci-art collaborations, where scientists and filmmakers work together, or scientists create films and artists conduct experiments. It's all open-ended!
Can you provide equipment or any resources? All pairs also receive a production stipend and need to manage their own productions and account for their expenses. This stipend should cover all costs related to production, including equipment. For very specific requests and with anticipation, we are able to host your in our SNW Lab space (ex: microscopy filmmaking)?
What happens to our films after Symbiosis? After Symbiosis, the films are yours. However, any decisions regarding revisions, editing, distribution, or further use should be made in collaboration with your partner. Additionally, both Labocine and the Simons Foundation reserve the right to showcase the films through their channels. Rest assured, this is a great opportunity—we'll be helping to expand your film’s reach!
I still have a question. Who can I contact? First, please check if your question is already answered here. If not, feel free to send your inquiry to sciencenewwave@labocine.com.
