Submit to Festival XVIII

SUBMIT ON FILMFREEWAY / Submissions Open January 15, 2025 & Close August 15, 2025

Each October, the Science New Wave presents 64 visionary films from around the world that push the boundaries of scientific storytelling. Celebrating its 18th edition, this annual festival is held in New York and on the Labocine platform, uniting filmmakers, scientists, and audiences in a vibrant celebration of the convergence of science and cinema. Check out Past Editions of the Science New Wave Festival.

Science New Wave submissions open each January and close at the end of August. Our lineup is unveiled in September.

All film entries are automatically granted a film page on our LABOCINE platform, ensuring future consideration in our year-round programming, regardless of selection outcome. As part of the submission process, we invite everyone to join HABITAT—a networking and ecosystem tool on LABOCINE designed for scientists, artists, and educators. To join, visit labocine.com/habitat.

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Ciné-marquise I

SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN / Deadline: February 15, 2025

Capture the architectural and cultural beauty of movie theater facades around the world in a single, uninterrupted 7-minute take. This project pays homage to the origins of cinema, commemorating the first public screening on December 28, 1895, in Paris. Share your unique perspective on these iconic spaces, contribute to their preservation and their cultural legacy.

View our Cinema Marquees on Labocine.

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Submission Process

• Submit your Cinema Marquee Proposal via the Labocine Scene Submission Form. We will then get back with more information. Specify if possible your estimated production/submission.

• Re-submit using the same Scene Submission Form your final film and send us a link to download file (specs: 1080, H264).

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Guidelines for Filming

1. Duration:

   • Each submission must be a continuous, unedited 7-minute shot.

2. Camera Setup:

   • Use a tripod for stability or ensure the camera remains completely still if handheld. Stability is essential to maintain the integrity of the static shot.

3. Framing:

   • Frame the full facade of the cinema, ensuring the entire architectural structure is visible within the composition.

4. Focus:

   • Keep the focus on the facade, as a single frame, no pans, zooms, or movements.

5. Sound:

   • Keep camera sound. Ambient sounds of the location. No adding any external music or soundtracks.

6. Format:

   • Submit the video in high-resolution formats (HD or 4K recommended).

7. Post

   • No post-production apart from selecting 7 continuous minutes at 24, 25 or 30fps. No text overlay during, before or after. The first image and last image should show the cinema marquee.

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Celebrate the global diversity of cinemas and their timeless role as cultural landmarks. Your scene will become part of a collective tribute to the legacy of the 7th art.

Symbiosis XI

SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN / Opens on February 1 - 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.

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• 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]

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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.

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Science New Wave Fund III

SECOND FUNDING CYCLE CLOSED / Third Cycle Re-Opens: March 1, 2025

The Science New Wave Fund provides support to singular film projects that challenge and expand the role of science in the current cultural discourse and celebrate adventurous interdisciplinary collaboration across disciplines.

For a third cycle, we will be providing up grants ($2,500 to $5,000) to film projects of all shapes and sizes that demonstrate a singular vision in how scientific thought is brought into cinematic narratives. These funds can be applied for development, production, post-production and distribution.

Discover on Labocine the projects and teams awarded the SNW Fund in Cycle I (2022) + Cycle II (2024).

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More info + Application guidelines coming soon. In the meantime, become a Science New Wave Member.

Luminary Paris Residency II

FIRST RESIDENCY CYCLE CLOSED / Submissions Re-Open: October 1, 2025

In partnership with Galerie Labociné, we’re be announcing our 2nd-year Luminary Residency. We will be selecting three residents who will get to live, research and film in the heart of Paris for 21 days. Only SNW Luminaries are eligible to apply.

Learn more about the SNW Luminary Paris Residency Projects on Labocine.

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Location: Paris / Galerie Labocine

Three Residency Periods: February, March & April 2026

Submissions are now open for the inaugural SNW Luminary Residency in Paris. The residency is sectioned into three cycles: February, March, and April 2026, with one resident hosted each month. Please indicate your preferred period in your application; however, we cannot guarantee the assignment of a specific period if selected.

Review the application guidelines thoroughly. We’ll get back to you with news before the end of the year. Still have questions? Write to us at sciencenewwave@labocine.com.

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[1] Become a Science New Wave Luminary Member

This residency is only 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

• 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) detailing your background, the project you wish to pursue during the residency, and your reasons for wanting to be in Paris. While established collaborators are not required, we encourage you to highlight any institutions, spaces, or individuals in Paris with whom you’d like to collaborate or interact for your project.

[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/research data (microscopy, data, simulation, fieldwork) 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 upcoming 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 Luminary 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]

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Residency Conditions >>

• Residents are required to be in Paris for the entire duration of the residency (3 weeks). Galerie Labocine is a space to only work and live. There is a small bedroom with similar traits to Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles adjacent to the main gallery space.

• The residency covers accommodation, roundtrip air-travel and taxi to/from airport, but does not provide a separate stipend during the stay. Living expenses, such as meals, transportation, and leisure activities, are not included.

• If you have current or potential collaborators, they’re welcome to visit you in the space. However, we can only host one resident per cycle, and the application must be submitted by a single individual.

• At the end of your residency, you are required to submit a film, which can take various forms—documentary, fiction, field research, video art installation, or even a single scene. While you’re welcome to continue working on the project after the residency, we ask that you submit the version completed during your residency. The work will be featured on the Labocine platform and will be awarded a Science New Wave Certificate.

• Each resident will be asked to document their experience by sharing Field Notes (making-of footage, research material, sketchbooks, text, documentation and more). Weekly check-ins with Labocine team are part of this process.

Any questions, send us an email to sciencenewwave@labocine.com

Scenes from the Forest II

FIRST EDITION CLOSED / Series II Opens: February 15, 2025

Share with us scenes from forests that you have visited and/or lived in. For this project, forest is widely used to describe any landscape with trees from the conifers of the boreal north to lush canopies of tropical rainforests, stopping by the hidden groves, reforestation projects, ancient trees and intricate wooded realms.

Check out our Scenes from the Forest on Labocine.

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Send us your proposal : via the Labo-scene Submission Portal.

In the caption, Provide us with a short description of this area and why this forest is important for you to document and share with the world.

Include in thumbnail, an image of your forest landscape. Needs to be close to where your camera will be place for your recording.

If selected, we will reach out to you with more information. A few preliminary guidelines below.

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Guidelines

• Scene needs to be exactly one hour (60 minutes / 3600 seconds) in duration. Continuous shot, no time lapse or jump cuts. If the camera turns off, make sure to be nearby to exchange battery or memory card restart it quickly (within a few seconds). 

• No edit or post-production (no color/speed/sound manipulation, music, text) is allowed (apart from remove off a few seconds at start/end for the 60-minute precision and/or stitching clips together.

• Ideal Resolution is 4k (3840 x 2160 pixels) but we will accept at minimum 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) and ratio needs to be 16:9 (horizontal).

• Recorded in ‘real time’ at a standard frame rate of 24fps or 30fps (time-lapse or slow-motion not permitted).

• Format for recording (ProRes and/or H264, .mov or .mp4)

• Fixed camera (tripod or rigged to stationary element) No adjustment to camera settings or position are allowed during the recording.

• The camera should be positioned at the average height of human eye level. The landscape and the frame should also be at the same level (no aerial shots, low or crooked/dutch angles). 

• Camera should be placed on a tripod or rigged to a stable surface.

• Use a lens with a focal length ideally 50mm (closest to the human field of view) and if not between 20-70mm. Avoid fish-eye or telephoto lenses.

• The sound needs to be diegetic (sound that originates from the world of a film). An external sound recorder is permitted but needs to be in sync with image and close to camera. You can use camera audio or attach an external microphone but no external sound equipment placed elsewhere or recorded at another location or time. No additional ambient score or music. 

• No edit or post-production (no color/speed/sound manipulation, music, text) is allowed (apart shaving off a few bits on the bookends for the 60-minute selection.)

• Little to no human activity. The scene should not intentionally frame animals, including human(s), though it can include visible signs of human/animal impact, depict urban surroundings and incidental human/animal activity. 

• Be on the look for transitions (day to night, frame crossing, natural metamorphosis or transformations on-screen).

• In the caption, note down the exact location, including latitude and longitudinal coordinates. Here are examples of formats that work: Decimal degrees (DD): 41.40338, 2.17403. Degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS): 41°24'12.2"N 2°10'26.5"E.

• In a caption, indicate time of the day and time zone (ex: 3:42 PM to 4:41 PM India Standard Time) 

• Resubmit your Scene via our Submission Portal - include link for download (H264 / ProRes single file), title, credits, synopsis, thumbnail (no text overlay), location and coordinates.

Museum Portrait II

FIRST EDITION CLOSED / Series II Opens: September 15, 2025

We are seeking short portraits of museums - both interior and exterior. While we’re focused on science or natural history, we are open to your interpretation of what constitutes a "science museum," recognizing that every museum can be seen as a scientific experiment in its own right.

Take a look at our current Museum Portraits on Labocine.

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Submission Process:

• Submit your Museum Portrait Proposal via the Labocine Film Submission Form. We will then get back with more information. Specify if possible your estimated production/submission.

• Re-submit using the same Film Submission Form your final film and send us a link to download file (specs: 1080, H264).

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Format and Guidelines:

• Pecha-Kucha Format:
  20 fixed video clips, each lasting 20 seconds, for a total runtime of 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

• Camera & Editing

  • Use a tripod or ensure an exceptionally steady hand to minimize movement.

  • The framing should prioritize static or gently shifting perspectives.

  • Any camera, even smartphone, is acceptable.

  • No post-production apart from the choice in how you’d like to arrange your 20 20-sec clips.

  • Text overlay / Captions are optional.

• Audio Requirements:

  • All sound must be diegetic, originating directly from the museum space. If not, please explain why in your caption.

• Focus Areas:

  • Highlight architectural elements, artifacts, paintings, specimen, objects, and installations.

  • Reflect on the museum's colonial past, capture its current reality, and imagine its future possibilities.

• Human Presence:

  • Avoid focus on people, but incidental human activity or impacts (e.g., voices, traces of interaction, by-passers) are acceptable. Non-human activity is not only permitted but highly encourage

• Creative Flexibility:

  • We welcome diverse interpretations of what a "science museum" can be, encouraging an imaginative and experimental approach.

• Inspirational Reference:

  • Check out our current Museum Portraits for creative direction and inspiration.