Why is there a FilmLAB specially for Asian Dutch Filmmakers?

CinemAsia bases it’s foundation on the understanding that Asian Dutch communities are underrepresented within the Netherlands and that as communities they have less opportunities to work within the Dutch media and film industry. Where some minorities experience a very evident and clear form of discrimination, asian communities are often viewed as model minorities. This renders discrimination and potential issues with integration that they may experience opaque and are generally considered less relevant. A majority of asian families within the Netherlands don’t consider working in media a legitimate career option and media productions on subject matters relevant to them are sometimes considered taboo by their families.

Therefore CinemAsia FilmLAB would like to give them the opportunity to develop themselves to improve their chances in the Dutch film and media industry and to help them with productions that tell stories that are relevant to them. 

On the other hand CinemAsia FilmLAB understands that to be truly inclusive, it cannot create a very strict border around the ‘far east’ and solely connect itself to Asian communities. Therefore CinemAsia FilmLAB’s programs will always be accessible to anyone: regardless of color, sexuality, gender identity, age, class or background. 

That being said, CinemAsia FilmLAB will always consident of a majority of (starting) filmmakers with an Asian background. 

I don’t have an Asian background, but can i still join one of CinemAsia FilmLAB’s programs?

Even though CinemAsia FilmLAB is mainly focused on filmmakers with an Asian background, it chooses not to exclude anybody. To be truly inclusive FilmLAB cannot focus itself solely on Asian communities. FilmLAB understands that minorities within the LGBTQ community or other ethnic minorities can, in some ways, have similar experiences or have similarly relevant stories to share. Therefore CinemAsia FilmLAB’s programs will always be accessible to anyone: regardless of color, sexuality, gender identity, age, class or background. 

That being said, CinemAsia FilmLAB will always consident of a majority of (starting) filmmakers with an Asian background. 

At the moment there is no call for submission for one of your programs, I would  however still like to register for a program or learn more about CinemAsia FilmLAB and its activities. What are my options? 

The dates for the Call for Submission for each edition of CinemAsia FilmLAB can vary.  In case you are still interested in our activities even though there is no Call for Submission available you can always join CinemAsia FilmLAB’s quarterly drinks to get to know the CinemAsia team and the CinemAsia FilmLAB Alumni, you can check out our calendar if there are any relevant events CinemAsia FilmLAB shall be attending or organising, you can check out our updates section to read interviews or updates from our editors or you can register for the CinemAsia FIlmLAB newsletter. You can register for the newsletterby sending an email here. 

Also when you have an idea to make a film, but you’re somehow stuck on how to advance to the next stage, you can send an email to CinemAsia FilmLAB. Then we can check whether we can help you, can inform you on relevant events or activities FIlmLAB organizes to help you along.  

Are CinemAsia FilmLAB’s programs free? 

CinemAsia FilmLAB’s regular programs are not free. To ensure participants take the program seriously we request a small submission fee.

You can expect a registration fee for participation of the FilmLAB writers room or FilmLAB development room in between €150 and €250 depending on early or late registration. 

You can expect a registration fee for participation of the FilmLAB fiction or documentary program in which you will produce a short film in between €300 and €500 depending on early or late registration. 

The registration fee can be regarded as an investment since workshops, masterclasses FilmLAB sponsorships and premiere are all included in the fee.

You will only have to pay the registration fee when you are selected for the program. 

As an exception the registration fee can be waived if a potential participant can prove paying the registration fee is not financially possible. In that case CinemAsia FilmLAB will see if there is another way for the potential participant to help or support CinemAsia. This exception will only be made once per edition.
In the Call for Submission registration form it’s possible to select the option to make yourself eligible for this arrangement. 

How long does a regular program of CinemAsia FilmLAB take? 

CinemAsia FilmLAB has multiple programs 

The duration of a regular fiction or documentary program of CinemAsia FIlmLAB varies per edition, but will likely take from 8 to 10 months. 

The duration of a writersroom or development room will likely take in between 4 to 6 months. In those months and in 10 to 12 meet-ups you will work from idea to fully realized film script and film plan or treatment. 

How much time does participation in a Cinemasia FilmLAB Program take? 

Many of our participants underestimate the time  participation to the program actually takes. Making a short film takes a lot of time. Expect to at least work on it one full day a week, or those hours spread out throughout the week. The more energy and time you can put into the production the more it will show in the final results.

How does the Call for Submission work? 

If there is a Call for Submission then on the Call for Submission page on our website CinemAsia FilmLAB will provide further information regarding the thema, demands and costs of the program. There will be a link available that will take you to the registration form. So please keep checking the Call for Submission page, the CinemAsia FilmLAB Linkedin or subscribe to the CinemAsia FIlmLAB newsletter.   

How does CinemAsia FilmLAB try to connect it’s participants and alumni to film professionals in the Dutch Film and Media industry? 

CinemAsia FilmLAB tries to connect it’s participants and alumni to film professionals in the Dutch Film and Media industry in several ways. 

During our programs we invite professionals to give lectures, talks or workshops, We conclude some programs with a pitching session or screening for film and media industry professionals. CinemAsia FIlmLAB also organises special (networking) events during CinemAsia Film Festival or CinemAsia on Tour.