Imagine Science Film Festival
New York's most important science film festival, held annually in October in New York City, celebrating films that explore scientific themes, processes, and discoveries with both rigor and cinematic artistry.
Overview
The Imagine Science Film Festival is New York's most important science film festival. Founded in 2008 and held annually in October in New York City, the festival celebrates films that explore scientific themes, research, and discoveries with both intellectual rigor and cinematic artistry.
The festival was founded with the explicit belief that science and cinema share fundamental impulses -- both seek to understand and reveal the world. By bringing scientists and filmmakers into dialogue, the festival has helped build the community of practitioners working at the intersection of these two disciplines.
Imagine Science has developed strong connections with New York's scientific institutions, including Rockefeller University, the American Museum of Natural History, and Columbia University. This gives the festival access to scientists who engage with the films and filmmakers in ways that enrich both communities.
Key Sections
- Feature Documentary Competition -- films about science and scientists
- Short Film Competition -- science short films
- Student Film Competition -- films by science and film students
- Experimental Science Film -- formally adventurous films addressing scientific themes
- Lab to Film -- commissioned works created in residence at scientific institutions
What Filmmakers Should Know
Imagine Science accepts open submissions. For documentary filmmakers addressing scientific research, the festival provides the most targeted audience of scientists and science enthusiasts. The Lab to Film commission program provides unique opportunities for filmmakers to work directly with scientific research institutions.
Major Awards
- Best Science Film -- jury prize
- Best Short Science Film
- Audience Award
Festival History
Imagine Science Film Festival was founded in 2008 and has grown into the most important US platform for the cinema-science intersection.
See Also
For documentary filmmaking, see Documentary Filmmaking Guide. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
