Cinematic Arts

Oolite Arts’ Cinematic Arts Program seeks to strengthen Miami’s growing indie film community by becoming the city’s hub for filmmakers, producers, and editors to connect, learn and exchange ideas. The Cinematic Arts program offers masterclasses, workshops, film screenings, and additional opportunities to help local filmmakers advance and perfect their craft.

Now in its second year, this initiative will give two Miami filmmakers up to $50,000 each to create a narrative micro-budget feature, along with a producer to oversee the project and shared studio space for production. Akin to the farm to table movement, this unique program will enable local filmmakers to create, shoot and screen their films, without ever leaving Miami.

“Moonlight” co-producer Andrew Hevia and O Cinema’s Kareem Tabsch helped conceptualize the program, which is led by Cinematic Arts Manager Jason Fitzroy Jeffers.

The Cinematic Arts Residency is supported in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

• Up to $50,000 for the creation of a narrative micro-budget feature
• A producer assigned to the production of the film
• Shared studio space for Cinematic Arts Residents at Oolite Arts on Miami Beach, with 24-hour access and Wi-Fi
• Free parking (based on availability)
• Use of Oolite’s facilities, including a flex lounge, workshop and the PRINTshop
• The opportunity to engage with Oolite’s network of curators, film programmers, artists, filmmakers, visiting faculty members and Oolite Arts Fellows, as well as to participate in studio visits, exhibitions, public programs and community outreach initiatives
• Access to Oolite’s international network of institutional film partners, as well as select film festivals and local art cinemas, as a way to help distribute the film
• Support for the film’s Miami premiere
• A one-week theatrical run at O Cinema

Applicants must:

• Be a full-time Miami-Dade County resident
• Create a narrative project set and filmed in Miami
• Be at least 18 years of age, and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Have completed a short film in a key creative role (director/producer/writer/editor)
• Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute the project as a micro-budget (under $50,000) feature film. Residents will have help, but will serve as the creative lead for the project.