Robert Ndondo-Lay

Robert Ndondo-Lay is a Minneapolis-based filmmaker, educator, and program administrator dedicated to fostering talent in current and future generations of filmmakers. As an alumnus of USC’s Film and Television Production M.F.A. and the University of Minnesota where he researched the correlation between cast diversity and highly profitable commercial successes, he is a strong proponent of arts education and community resourcing for underrepresented artisans. Committed to driving change through innovative works and film education, Robert has contributed to prominent film and television entities such as Verve Talent & Literary Agency, Imagine Entertainment, IMAX, and Fox Searchlight Pictures, as well as distinguished arts, culture, and youth media education programs such as the USC Cinematography Summer Program, FilmNorth’s 2022 Fall Diversity Report, and his most recent achievement: the establishment of Studio Thirteen Future Filmmakers Lab – the Upper Midwest’s pioneering youth filmmaking lab intensive.

With over eight years of youth mentorship and professional development experience, Robert has emerged as a leading advocate for regional film education programming and initiatives.