THE LAB: Imagining The Future

Nova Frontier Film LAB was born out of a pressing need to give and expose underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized youth sustainable career opportunities in the film and media industry while addressing the lack of representation. Participants are made up of diverse cultural ethnicities and backgrounds, mainly culled from BIPOC, LGBTQ + youth, and emerging filmmakers from NFFF REGIONS. 

Nova LAB is taught by professional filmmakers and artists who mentor LAB participants to realize their projects, hone their individual voices, unleash their artistic talents, and shape their own media image. During this hands-on immersive period, the LAB encourages experimentation and exploration, with lectures, media literacy, technical skills in visual storytelling, workshops in acting, and interactive group activities that spark imaginative play and creativity to the fullest. The aim is to promote a high level of innovative intercultural storytelling that engages across genres and platforms.  

The LAB provides ongoing support and resources for youth and artists to nurture their projects, through year-round activities and one-on-one mentorship with industry professionals. The LAB participant’s final project will be presented to the public during the Nova Frontier Film Festival, and will also be encouraged and have full support in submitting their works to other film festivals, public institutions, and media outlets. 

To date, we have developed educational programs and have mentored and collaborated with institutions, organizations, and nonprofits such as Dream and Do, Brooklyn Pride Path LGBTQ+ Center, Weeksville Heritage Center, Restoration Art, Brooklyn Institute of Liberal Arts High School, and the New York City Department of Education, among other global partners.