Announcing the 2024 Studio Thirteen Future Filmmakers Cohort
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. PAUL, September 27, 2024
FilmNorth is excited to introduce the 2024 cohort for Studio Thirteen Future Filmmakers Lab, the Upper Midwest’s first youth filmmaking lab experience dedicated to nurturing the next generation of media artists. Following the remarkable success of last year’s inaugural program—marked by a sold-out premiere at MSPIFF43 and the director receiving Best Emerging Director of Color at the EDU Film Festival—we are thrilled to welcome a group of dedicated young filmmakers eager to share their stories.
This year’s cohort includes an outstanding lineup of emerging filmmakers: Zero McCoy (PiM Arts HighSchool), Iris Eaton (Mora High School), Addison Maki (Mounds View High School), Kate Mandujano (Hopkins High School), Lars Morris (Avalon School), Miranda Shore (Highland Park Senior High School), Vin Tieden (Central Senior High School), Bodie Whitnah (Minnetonka High School), Samari Mister (Coon Rapids High School), Josephine Carlson (Great River School), Willa Henkemeyer (Great River School), Alma Schmidt (St. Anthony Village High School), and Cassin Farley (Avalon School). Over the next thirteen weeks, these talented youths will collaborate to create a single, impactful short film while receiving hands-on training in all aspects of filmmaking.
“We are truly excited to have a cohort as dedicated to filmmaking as this one,” said Program Director Rob Ndondo-Lay. “Their enthusiasm and creativity are sure to bring fresh perspectives to the film they will create. We are also pleased to welcome back FilmNorth’s new Youth Programs Coordinator, Abby Stewart, who will bring her dedication and expertise to support these emerging filmmakers.”
ABOUT STUDIO THIRTEEN FUTURE FILMMAKERS LAB
Participants will engage in field trips to prominent media production entities in the Twin Cities, focus lectures, visiting artist Q&A’s, skill-building workshops, location scouts, and production days, immersing themselves in a comprehensive filmmaking experience. Guided by industry professionals, they will enhance their technical skills and creative vision in an environment that fosters collaboration and growth. At the conclusion of the program, the cohort’s short film will receive a public screening, providing these young artists with the opportunity to present their work to an engaged audience. Additionally, the film will be submitted to both local and national film festivals, ensuring their story reaches a wider audience—all at no cost to the participants.
ABOUT FILMNORTH
FilmNorth’s mission is to empower artists to tell their stories, launch and sustain successful careers, and advance The North as a leader in the national network of independent filmmakers. We achieve our mission by nurturing a vibrant, diverse community of film and media artists; providing education and resources at every stage of their careers; and celebrating their achievements.