Filmmaking
Healing
Community
We
nurture
&
cultivate
BIPOC
filmmakers
✶
We nurture & cultivate BIPOC filmmakers ✶
Our Programs & Offerings
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Film Fellowships
We offer two fellowships for BIPOC filmmakers.
StorySeeds is a 3-month screenwriting fellowship and FilmSparks is a year-long short film production & distribution fellowship.
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Cinefilmu Film Fest
Presented by TDM5 and Mamá Papaya, the film festival welcomes visionary QTBIPOC filmmakers and storytellers to a community focused celebration of our ancestral stories and cultures.
The free and open to the public event showcases powerful and brilliant cultural stories from immigrants, Black, Indigenous, Hmong, Somali, Latine, and the many peoples in our neighborhoods.
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Offerings
The BIPOC Filmmakers MN directory is a public resource to find and connect with local collaborators, mentors, apprentices, and crew.
We also offer services in script analysis & feedback, 1:1 film consultations, community catered screenings, and keynotes.
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Events & Workshops
Throughout the year, we offer events and workshops to grow, align, and nourish our local BIPOC film communities!
Our Values
Care
Interconnectedness
Accountability
Upcoming Workshops
We will examine the art of the narrative short film and embrace an art practice of personal storytelling, empathetic observation, and poetic visual expression.
Over the course of this workshop, participants will arrive with a selection of ideas for narrative shorts, develop one idea into a full draft of a short film screenplay and begin to ruminate on the visualization and execution of the short film.
In our sessions, we will strengthen our personal voice and storytelling perspective ; hold interactive exercises for the development of character, story, and visual language; and explore expansive and disruptive story structures.
Participants will also receive individualized feedback on their writing. (You should enter this workshop with a basic understanding of screenplay formatting and software.)
Everyone leaves this workshop with a draft of a short film that further develops their voice as an artist and storyteller.
4 Virtual Sessions
November 7th, 8th, 15th, 22nd
2 pm - 4 pm CST
Payment options include sliding scale or payment plan with 50% deposit upon registration.
Payment plan is only available for $100+ orders.
Let's break down how the art department functions on a film set, from pre-production through wrap.
Through candid discussions, real on-set case studies, and a guided workbook, participants will explore art department responsibilities including how to breakdown a script, track continuity, where to source prop and set pieces, how collaboration works across departments, essential toolkit item tips, and the unique realities of local productions.
By the end of the workshop, each participant will have created a personalized on-set action plan and leave with practical tools, resources, and a blueprint for their next role on any art department.
October 18th
12 pm - 3 pm CST
Payment options include sliding scale or payment plan with 50% deposit upon registration.
Payment plan is only available for $100+ orders.
How a film is made is as important as the story it tells.
Learn practical insight into the producer's role, including script evaluation, production breakdowns, budgeting, and project leadership.
Create stories grounded in cultural authenticity, community collaboration, and intentional production practices.
2 Virtual Sessions
November 10th & 17th 6 - 8 pm CST
Payment options include sliding scale or payment plan with 50% deposit upon registration.
Payment plan is only available for $100+ orders.
Become a member!
Member Benefits
Extended application Deadlines for Fellowships and Programs
30% discount camera and studio rentals at Midcity Production Supply
Discount on Mamá Papaya Workshops
Access to Member Productions, Events, & Grants
Membership Eligibility
Open to MN based BIPOC filmmakers at all experience levels.
Committed to co-create a safer, joyful, and equitable film ecosystem.
It’s free!
Testimonials
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After being in enough art spaces where I felt really small and othered, I knew I wanted to learn about filmmaking in a space that centered community, healing, and connection.
Rio Pérez, FilmSparks Fellow 2025
Connect with us!
