SYMBIOSIS
Submissions are now closed for Symbiosis.
One Scientist. One Filmmaker. Two weeks to make a film. A one of a kind collaboration.
Symbiosis XIII will take in New York in 2027 (dates to be announced)
Scientists from diverse disciplines in the basic sciences will be pre-selected by the Simons Foundation. This year’s theme is “the beauty of mathematics,” inspired by the Simons Foundation’s Infinite Sums initiative to celebrate the beauty of math and its place in culture.
As SYMBIOSIS emphasizes collaboration, all creative work between filmmakers and scientists must take place during the designated production period.
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Symbiosis x Infinite Sums in 2026 was supported by the Simons Foundation as part of its “Infinite Sums” initiative. For more information, visit infinitesums.simonsfoundation.org. Watch 5 films here on Labocine.
A write-up about about this year’s program by the Simons Foundation » Watch: 5 Math-Inspired Short Films Created by Flatiron Institute Researchers and Filmmakers
Watch prior Symbiosis films on Labocine.
Symbiosis XII
Where: New York
Production (2 Weeks)
Symbiosis Timeline
Applications are now closed for Symbiosis. Please review the application guidelines below thoroughly for the next edition. Still have questions? Write to us at sciencenewwave@labocine.com.
[1] Become a Science New Wave Luminary Member
[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 separate video links by email, as all films must be viewed by our Symbiosis Selection Committee directly on Labocine.
[4] Submit your application including attachments by email to sciencenewwave@labocine.com
Include in email title: Name - Symbiosis x Infinite Sums (ex: Ringo Marquez - Symbiosis x Infinite Sums]
- Share your public Habitat profile in your email submission (ex: https://www.labocine.com/habitat/ringo)
[Please list the titles of works you have submitted through our film/scene submission portals in the body of your email.]
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[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).
Symbiosis FAQ >>
Is Symbiosis no longer part of the festival in the Fall? Symbiosis, now presented by Labocine, has grown in popularity and continues to evolve through new formats and approaches. In 2027, Symbiosis will turn 12 years old and we’ll be announcing the dates of the program in a few months.
Who can apply? We’re looking for artists/ filmmakers and scientists eager to collaborate across disciplines.
What are the key dates? The dates are not yet posted fo 2027. Here’s a general timeline: the cohort will be announced first, a mixer will take place shortly after, a Symbiosis Lab meeting will be held mid-way through production 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 around as scientists + filmmakers must be 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 week 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 cast + 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? Yes and no, we understand that everyone has other commitments. Please ensure you will be in the NYC area for the entire two week period. All we ask is clear communication, planning to work together, and setting a schedule.
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!
Do filmmakers receive a stipend? Yes, filmmakers receive a production stipend to manage their own project and related expenses. Filmmakers are encouraged to consult closely with their paired scientists throughout the development and production period — including when planning and allocating expenses.
Is equipment provided? No. The stipend should cover all production costs, including equipment.
What happens to our films after Symbiosis? After Symbiosis, the films will be streamed on Labocine. Any decisions regarding revisions, editing, distribution, or further use should be made in collaboration with your partner. Additionally, Labocine reserves the right to showcase the films through their channels immediately after they are made. 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.
