2027 Cinematic Residency Program
Learn more about the open calls and application process for 2027 residencies:
Founded in 2019, the Oolite Arts Cinematic Residency program was created to support Miami-based filmmakers in the development and completion of independent feature films rooted in South Florida, through financial support, mentorship, studio access, and professional production resources. Centered on microbudget filmmaking, the program encourages artists to create bold, meaningful cinema with creativity, rigor, and resourcefulness.
Since its founding, the residency has supported the production of six feature films and more than 30 short films, many of which have screened at major national and international festivals, earning awards and recognition while amplifying the voices of Miami’s diverse filmmaking community.
Beyond film production, the residency fosters a lasting creative network through mentorship, public programs, screenings, and artist conversations that strengthen connections between filmmakers and audiences. For many residents, the program is not simply a professional opportunity, but the foundation that made their first feature film possible.
The Oolite Arts Cinematic Residency supports South Florida filmmakers in the transition from short-form work to their first feature-length films by providing the resources, mentorship, and professional support necessary to develop and produce ambitious microbudget cinema.
Rooted in creativity, resourcefulness, and action, the program empowers filmmakers to create meaningful cinematic work within real-world production limitations. Through financial support, mentorship, studio access, post-production resources, and continued guidance beyond the residency period, Oolite Arts fosters artistic growth, project completion, and community engagement while elevating local voices within national and international film culture.
Open Call
June 1 – July 31, 2026
Contact
Hansel Porras Garcia
[email protected]
305-674-8278 Ext. 316
Cinematic Residency Office Hours
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 12 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 12 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 12 – 4 p.m.
Attendees can reserve a one-on-one session through the following link:
Cinematic Residency Program Benefits
- $50,000 in direct funding toward film production.
- Access to rental camera packages and equipment support through partner organizations.
- Ongoing mentorship throughout the residency period from industry professionals and advisors.
- 24/7 Free access to a dedicated studio workspace throughout the residency.
- Housing Stipend.
- Access to Oolite Arts Facilities, including flex lounge spaces, printshop access, and large-format inkjet printing services.
- Complimentary subscriptions to platforms and tools including Adobe Creative Cloud, MUBI, Criterion Channel, and MasterClass.
- Opportunities to connect with local, national, and international filmmakers, producers, and artists, while participating in studio visits, exhibitions, screenings, public programs, and community engagement initiatives.
- Continued eligibility for alumni opportunities and professional support beyond the residency period and throughout the filmmaker’s career.
Eligibility
Age
To be eligible for an Oolite Arts Residency program, applicants must be 21+ and cannot be enrolled in a degree-granting academic program (college or university) for 2027.
Location
Applicants must be full-time residents of South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or Monroe counties).
Proof of Residency
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. As proof of residency in South Florida, applicants must submit a scan of their Florida-issued ID or drivers license and a secondary proof of residency that matches the address of the ID, such as bank statements or utility bills.
Dual Applications (The Ellies, Oolite Arts Awards and any Artist Residency)
All applications for The Ellies, Oolite Arts Awards and Artist Residencies (Studio Residency, Home + Away Residency, and Cinematic Residency) are open at the same time.
Applicants may apply for multiple opportunities; however, they may only receive one award or residency.
As part of the application process, all Oolite Arts applications will ask the applicant to list their preferences in order in the event they are selected for more than one opportunity. This preference must be marked consistently across all submitted applications. If the order of preference is marked differently across applications, the applicant may be disqualified from consideration.
If an applicant is selected for multiple opportunities, Oolite Arts will honor the applicant’s stated preference and offer only that opportunity.
Conflict of Interest
Advisory Board Members, consultants/individuals contracted by Oolite Arts, and former staff are eligible to apply. However, Oolite Arts Board members, employees, and their family members are not eligible to apply.
Project Requirements
Applicants must be first-time feature filmmakers, though they must have completed at least one short film in a key creative role (director, producer, writer, or editor).
The project must be a narrative feature film of 70 minutes or longer. At least 80% of the project must be filmed in South Florida. The project must have a first draft or at least the first 30 pages of a draft ready at the time of application, to demonstrate that the project is in progress.
Oolite Arts believes that artists from a wide variety of backgrounds and identities should have access to artistic support. Oolite Arts as an organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.
FAQ
Is this program right for me?
The program is intended for filmmakers who have previously completed at least one short film in a key creative role such as directing, producing, writing, and/or editing, and who already have an active feature project in development. Applicants must submit at least the first 30 pages of the screenplay or a first draft at the time of application.
This residency is designed for emerging South Florida filmmakers developing their first narrative feature film. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, full-time residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or Monroe counties, and either U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Projects must be narrative feature films of 70 minutes or longer, with at least 80% of production taking place in South Florida. The residency is ideal for filmmakers ready to work creatively and resourcefully within the realities of independent and microbudget filmmaking.
Can my film’s budget exceed $50,000 or be combined with another grant?
Yes. Contrary to past years, starting this year and continuing forward, Cinematic Residents of Oolite Arts may combine residency support with additional grants, private funding, crowdfunding, or other financing sources. Projects may exceed the residency amount, provided filmmakers comply with the residency agreement, crediting requirements, production timeline, and other program requirements and components.
I’m co-directing a film. Can we submit a joint application?
Yes. Co-directed projects are welcome, as long as at least one of the directors is a first-time feature filmmaker and serves as the primary applicant. Applications must be submitted under one applicant only.
I’m a producer working on a project with a director. Can I apply?
While producers may assist with the application process, the application itself must be submitted under the name of the first-time feature director attached to the project. The producer shall not be the main applicant. All submitted materials should accurately reflect the project and creative team.
How are grantees selected?
Applications are reviewed by a panel of national and international jurors with experience in filmmaking and the arts. Projects are evaluated based on artistic merit, feasibility, originality, and alignment with the mission of the residency.
When will the residency recipients be announced?
The selected filmmaker will be publicly announced in October 2026.
Can I apply if my project is a documentary or experimental film?
The Cinematic Residency is focused on narrative feature filmmaking. Documentary or experimental projects are generally not eligible unless the project can clearly demonstrate a strong narrative feature structure.
My project already has production companies attached. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes. Projects with production companies, producers, or additional partners attached are still eligible, as long as the applicant meets all residency requirements and agrees to the residency terms, timeline, and crediting guidelines.
Who should I contact with questions?
A general information session will take place on June 17, 2026 at Oolite Arts.
Office hours will be held on Wednesdays (June 24, July 15, and July 29, 2026) from 12 to 4 p.m. You can schedule an office hours appointment through this link.
For any additional questions, email Hansel Porras Garcia at [email protected]
I don’t have an account with Submittable.com. Can I still apply for a Cinematic Residency?
You will need an account with Submittable.com. It is free, so please create one if you intend to apply.
I am having trouble with Submittable.com. Where can I get help?
Submittable.com has an extensive Help Section. Submittable Help Link
Can I drop off my application at Oolite Arts in person?
If you have no access to the Internet, then you should call our office, 305-674-8278 ext. 316.
I have read the FAQ and the application, and I still have some questions before applying. May I call the office to see if I can have my questions answered?
We are happy to answer any other questions that you may have. You can reach Hansel Porras Garcia at 305-674-8278 ext. 316
I am having issues uploading files. What should I do?
For assistance with uploads, Submittable.com offers a clear step-by-step guide to the file submission process. Submittable Help Link
My work is more suitably presented in video or audio format; can I upload a video or audio file instead?
While you cannot upload video and audio files directly to Submittable, the application allows you to provide a link to sites such as YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo, etc., where the files can be reviewed by Oolite Arts.
Can I bring my work to the office or gallery for review?
You cannot bring your work to the office or gallery for review. Oolite Arts cannot ensure the security of the artwork due to the volume of applications we receive.
The Cinematic Arts Residency
2026 Cinematic Residents
Special Jury Mentions
Filmmakers Kevin Ondarza and Hunter Osking were selected as Special Jury Mentions and will receive $1,000 each towards their film projects.
2024 Cinematic Arts Resident
Special Jury Mentions
Two filmmakers received Special Jury Mentions and will receive $1,000 towards their film projects. They are Malu Anavitarte and Juan Barquin
2023 Cinematic Arts Resident
Chris Molina
After flunking out of college, Alex begrudgingly returns to his childhood home in Miami. With a new adult perspective and a massive hurricane threatening to sweep it all away, he’s forced to reevaluate his hatred for Miami.
Emma Cuba
Through eight tales of newfound love, destruction, mysticism, and the ebb and flow in between, the Florida Everglades is revealed to us, teaching us valuable life lessons in a landscape that is just as brutal as it is delicate.
2022 Cinematic Arts Resident
Greko Sklavounos
Sklavounos will use the residency to make a debut micro-budget narrative film about a man who must confront nature after his grandfather comes to him as a spirit. Learn more.
Special Jury Mentions
Four filmmakers received Special Jury Mentions, and will receive $1,000 towards their film projects. They are Michael Ruiz-Unger, Giancarlo Loffredo, Mimi Davila and Ronald Baez.
2021 Cinematic Arts Project
Hansel Porras Garcia
On her 64th birthday, Zoe, a Cuban widow exiled in Miami, receives the unexpected visit of Helena, her childhood best friend, after more than 40 years without seeing each other. When one of them confesses to be gay, they both have to reconsider their friendship.
Awards
- 2023 Knight Made in MIA Award – Miami Film Festival
Official Selections
- 2023 Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
- 2023 Los Angeles Queer Film Festival
2021 Cinematic Arts Resident
Special Jury Mentions
Four filmmakers received Special Jury Mentions, and will receive $1,000 toward their film projects. They are Jayme Gershen, Franco Gonzalez, Javier Labrador and Brenna Haragan.
2020 Cinematic Arts Projects
Faren Humes
Humes will use the residency to expand her much-celebrated short film “LIBERTY,” focused on Miami’s Liberty Square housing complex, into a feature narrative film. Learn more.
Edson Jean
Desperate to send money to her family back in Haiti, hardworking and exhausted nurse Ludi Alcidor spends a chaotic day battling coworkers, clients, and an impatient bus driver as she chases the American dream in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood.
Awards
- Best Film 2022 Newark Black Film Festival
- Best Actress 2021 RiverRun International Film Festival
- Best Actress 2021 Loudoun Arts Film Festival
- Rising Director and Lead Actor 2021 Atlanta Film Festival
Official Selections
- 2021 SXSW
- 2021 Bentonville Film Festival
- 2021 Miami Film Festival
2020 Cinematic Arts Residents
Special Jury Mentions
Four filmmakers received Special Jury Mentions, and will receive $1,000 toward their film projects. They are Carla Forte, Hansel Porras Garcia, Mark Pulaski and Danny Rosenberg.
2019 Cinematic Arts Projects
Xavier Medina
A five year old girl living in a Miami trailer park has a mission… to somehow get to the beach and see the ocean for the first time.
Awards
Official Selections
Monica Sorelle
A Haitian demolition worker is faced with the realities of redevelopment as he is tasked with dismantling his rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.
Awards
Official Selections
2019 Cinematic Arts Residents
Resident Archive
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