FilmNorth

ILLUMINATE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING

Filmmaking in the Upper Midwest has a bright future! FilmNorth is excited about what is happening here. 

1. FilmNorth has started classes and the offices are open in our new home at 2441 University in Saint Paul. This new facility serves filmmakers and community members. Our grand opening will be in Spring 2025 with the completion of a 54-seat screening cinema and back patio.
2. Last year, the Minnesota Legislature increased its 25% tax credit program for film production, from $5 million a year to $25 million a year. This much needed infusion into the film industry in Minnesota will bring outside productions to the state, along with creating new jobs for filmmakers and media artists residing in the Upper Midwest.
3. We're excited to welcome Robert Ndondo-Lay to FilmNorth. Robert has worked diligently to analyze FilmNorth programming, particularly for young people. This year we launched a new youth program, Studio Thirteen Future Filmmakers Lab. Offering one of the few training grounds for student filmmakers, this program provides students grades 9-12 the opportunity to gain hands-on vocational experience while receiving guidance and support every step of the way. 

On this Give to the Max Day, we ask our community to join us in celebrating a new dawn in filmmaking and supporting the work of media artists telling stories in The North!

FilmNorth inspires and provides opportunities for all media artists in The North to thrive, with a commitment to eliminate disparities for those who identify as Black, Indigenous and people of color, people with a disability, undocumented, rural, low income, and LGBTQIA2+ people, women, and those embodying intersections of these identities. __________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

FilmNorth was founded in 1987 as Independent Feature Project Minnesota in recognition that independent filmmakers needed a support network to help them create their work outside of the legacy studio system. In the 1990s IFP Minnesota merged with Film in the Cities and Midwest Media Access Center, becoming the largest filmmaker service organization in the region. In 2017 the organization rebranded itself as FilmNorth to more accurately describe our commitment to and impact on filmmaking in the region. Today our support of the art of visual storytelling encompasses screenwriting, filmmaking and photography. We nurture and launch national caliber talent, then gather to celebrate their achievements.

FilmNorth offers several opportunities for Minnesota artists at every stage of their careers. 

Empowering Youth: Youth Education includes residencies in schools and with youth-serving organizations, workshops, mentorships, internships, Studio Thirteen Future Filmmakers Lab for youth transitioning into a film career, and summer camps. Over 800 served.

Deepening Professional Knowledge: Our Education and Professional Development Programs offers over 100 classes, multiple Master Classes, the annual two-day FilmNorth Forum, and workshops with industry leaders from across the nation. Over 600 participants.

Providing Financial Support: Fellowships and fiscal sponsorship allow artists to make their project a reality. Over 50 fiscally sponsored projects, which includes consultation on new work, and four McKnight Media Artist Fellowships.

Expanding Audiences:  New work is screened at CinemaLounge at Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis and Independent Spirit Award screenings at the Walker Art Center. Visual art, photography, and multi-media installations are exhibited in the Marsden/Gustafson Gallery at FilmNorth. Over 2,000 audience members, 40 screenings per year, and four exhibitions.

Changing Lives: FilmNorth gives new, emerging, and established filmmakers a foundation to reach their dreams through low-cost access to editing suites, classrooms, meeting space and filmmaking equipment.