LEARN TRADITIONAL FILM MAKING WITH MONO NO AWARE

MONO NO AWARE is now offering PUBLIC COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS at our learning lab in downtown Brooklyn. These classes are made affordable and accessible thanks to the support of the New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA) individual donors and patrons like yourself.

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS IN PERSON 2025

MONO NO AWARE has re-opened the doors for community-led workshops. We’re proud to offer traditional film making workshops here in Brooklyn, NY. Offerings are all ages, open to the public for a hands-on learning experience. Instructors are locally-based, practicing filmmakers and artists looking to share their years of knowledge and experience.  All related workshop materials; film stock, chemical processing, cameras, editing and projection equipment are included.  At the end of each workshop session we organize a FREE public screening open to you and your friends!  Each session, MONO NO AWARE partners with local and international film festivals to offer entry waivers to all our participants.  To assist you in entering your work, MONO NO AWARE will digitally scan and host your finished film on our Vimeo+ channel. Please read our list of workshop policies below before registering (below).  These workshops would not be possible without the support of NYSCA ; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the New York State Legislature . We are proud to have partnerships with KODAK, CINELAB, COLORLAB, and to work with THE GOWANUS DARKROOM. SEE PARTICIPANT WORKS AT OUR VIMEO PAGE.

* Plant-based Developers & Analogue Sustainability Conference Sept 2nd-14th.

+ JOIN US FOR TWO WEEKS OF DEMONSTRATIONS, WORKSHOPS, LECTURES, A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY AND A BOOK RELEASE WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ANDRES PARDO of CURIOSO LAB (URY) HANNAH FLETCHER of SUSTAINABLE DARKROOM (UK) ADRIAN COUSINS (UK) and PROFESSOR SCOTT WILLIAMS PhD, INVENTOR OF CAFFENOL (ROCHESTER) * SEATS ARE LIMITED * REGISTER EARLY * MADE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE WITH THE SUPPORT OF NYSCA AND THE WILHELM FAMILY FOUNDATION.

+ HARVESTING PHENOLS ** NEW SESSION ADDED ** BOTH SESSIONS SOLD OUT **
FRIDAY SEPT. 5TH FROM 11 AM - 5 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB ** SOLD OUT **
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY SEPT. 2ND & 3RD FROM 7-10 PM ** @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB ** SOLD OUT **

+ ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT : FROM THE NAIL TO THE NEGATIVE * SOLD OUT *
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH FROM 7-10 PM ** @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB * SOLD OUT *

+ BANANOL : THE BANANA PEEL DEVELOPER * SOLD OUT *
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH From 5 - 10 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB **

+ PLANT BASED COLOR FORMING DEVELOPERS ** SOLD OUT **
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH From 10 AM - 3:30 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB ** THIS SESSION HAS SOLD OUT **
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH From 10 AM - 3:30 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB ** THIS SESSION HAS SOLD OUT **

+ REVERSING THE IMAGE w/ HYDROGEN PEROXIDE & COPPER CHLORIDE * SOLD OUT *
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH FROM 5-10 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB ** 

+ THE BIODEGRADABLE DARKROOM ** SOLD OUT **
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH FROM 7-10 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB ** 

+ KITCHEN WASTE DEVELOPER ONLY ONE SEAT REMAINS FOR THIS WORKSHOP!
There’s chemistry in what we cook. This workshop looks at how food scraps and kitchen water—often thrown away—can become active photographic developers. The water from boiling pasta or sausages, the pulp from juice, the tea leaves and onion skins: they all carry potential. We’ll experiment with food waste extracts and turn them into plant-based developers, strengthened with vitamin C and simple alkalines. Each developer will be unique—shaped by what’s available, what’s saved, and what’s shared.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH FROM 7-10 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB ** OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
ALL INCLUSIVE - 16MM CAMERA, STUDIO PORTRAIT, FILM STOCK, CHEMISTRY, SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND MORE!

+ MULTI-LAYERED COPPER AND IRON IMAGES ** SOLD OUT **
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH FROM 10 AM - 4 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB **

+ CAFFENOL RECIPE 30TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY w/ PROFESSOR SCOTT WILLIAMS PhD ** IN PERSON **
A very special caffenol mixer with the inventor of the recipe, Professor Scott Williams PhD here in person mix the first batch of the night and to share incite to the origins of the recipe and to celebrate 30 years of non-toxic developing with our community. Bring ANY format of still or moving image BWN film S8, 16, 135, 120, 4X5 !~ We’ll mix the developing solution together , help you reveal your latent image and scan your film.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH. DOORS AT 7:00 DEMO AT 8 PM SHARP - COME CELEBRATE WITH MONO @ THE GOWANUS DARKROOM
ALL INCLUSIVE - LIMITED TO 80 PARTICIPANTS! + FREE SCAN + Plus everyone in attendance receives a recipe card!

+ DEEPER INTO CAFFENOL - DEVELOPING WITH USED COFFEE GRINDS ** SOLD OUT **
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH FROM 10 AM - 3 PM @ MONO NO AWARE LEARNING LAB **

+ BACK TO BASICS VOLUME II : Extended Recipes for Ecological Photo-chemistry BOOK RELEASE PARTY & PANEL DISCUSSION
Join all our visiting chemists for a panel discussion moderated by Hannah of the Sustainable Darkroom. This event will be the first chance to pick up a copy of the collaborative publication between Andres Pardo of Curioso Lab, The Sustainable Darkroom and many other image makers around the world. Reserve a copy ahead of time. Join us for the panel and hang out for non-toxic drinks!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH DOORS @ 5 PM, PANEL CONVERSATION BEGINS AT 6 PM SHARP * FREE * RSVP REQUIRED * LIMITED TO 100

* SEPTEMBER

+ TRADITIONAL 2-D CUT OUT & HAND DRAWN ANIMATION ON 16MM FILM ** ONLY THREE SEATS REMAIN !
Learn to operate the Oxberry Animation Stand to animate cut out forms and hand drawings onto 16MM film ! Traditional animation methods hand drawn, cut out and multi-plane, all captured on film, developed, color printed and projected.
TUESDAYS SEPT. 16th, 23rd, 30th OCT 7th & 14th from 7-9:30 PM + 2 HOUR SESSION ON THE ANIMATION STAND OCT 25th or 26th TBD
Free Screening Party at Venue T.B.A. on THURSDAY NOV 20TH @ 7 PM. REGISTRATION NOW LIVE * FIVE SESSIONS + STUDIO ACCESS + ANIMATION STAND * SLIDING SCALE * SAMPLE FILMS AND DETAILS HERE *

+ INTRO TO 16MM FILM + BOLEX REX5 CAMERA, LIGHT METER & EDITING FULLY COLOR TIMED WORK PRINT ! ONLY 4 SEATS !
Experience a professional work flow that begins and ends on 16mm film. Learn to operate the Bolex Rex-5 camera, capture on color negative then edit and project your own fully timed color work print on a vertical editing system, project your finished film on film!
THURSDAYS SEPT 18th 25th, OCT 9th & 16th from 7-9:30 PM ** FILM SESSION SAT SEPT 27th from 9 AM – 5 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ALL AGES, SLIDING SCALE - FREE TITLE WORKSHOP INCLUDED AT FULL REGISTRATION

+ INTRO TO 16MM MACRO CINEMATOGRAPHY ON FILM : CAPTURE IN EXTREME CLOSE UP WITH THE BOLEX & MACRO LENSES **
Capture moving images in extreme close up onto Kodak’s 16MM color negative film stock. With the use of extension tubes you’ll delve into tiny worlds and see the images projected 30’ wide in full color. Flowers, Insects, Teeth, Tongues, bring your small objects and textures!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH from 11 AM - 4 PM + FREE CAMERA KIT RENTAL WITH PRIMES & TUBES FOR A LATER DATE!
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW * LIGHTING STUDIO SESSION @ MONO NO AWARE * DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN

+ FRAMES IN CONVERSATION : 16MM BOLEX PROJECTING D8MM: 4 FRAMES AT ONCE **
Sold in 25’ increments as double perforated 16mm film, the Double 8mm format “D8” has a unique work flow which requires the lab to slit the film in half after development and splice it back together to create the smaller gauge of Regular 8mm. Working with a D8MM BOLEX camera, D mount prime lenses we’ll use the camera to capture moving images in a way that subverts the intended workflow in order to create 4 separate quadrants projected simultaneously - Read more HERE.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH from 10 AM - 4 PM @ MONO NO AWARE
* REGISTRATION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ALL INCLUSIVE * CAMERA ACCESS * D8MM FILM STOCK, LAB SERVICES @ SLIDING SCALE *

+ MOTION PICTURE COLOR TITLES ON 16MM FILM * DEVELOPED, PRINTED & PROJECTION READY *
Learn to create, expose properly, full color motion picture on a 16mm animation stand for the projection of titles and credits! You’ll learn to conduct and develop an exposure test, set proper framing and capture to time the length of each title. Capture from digital image or rendering!
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH from 5 - 9 PM + ALL INCLUSIVE + FILM STOCK + CHEMISTRY + DEV & SCAN!
REGISTRATION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ALL AGES - SLIDING SCALE * OXBERRY ANIMATION STAND * KODAK VISION 3 NEG & PRINT! *

+ SUPER 8MM FILM MAKING ON COLOR REVERSAL FILM, DEVELOP YOUR OWN EKTACHROME * SOLD OUT ** WAIT LIST **
Learn to operate the Super 8mm camera, then take the camera out for 2 full weeks to film before returning to the lab to glove up & learn to reveal latent color images on film. Experience a professional film to film work flow here at our learning lab!
WEDNESDAY SEPT 17th, 24th OCT 8th & 15th from 7:00 – 9:30 PM DEVELOPING SUN OCT 5th from 10 AM - 5 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ALL AGES, SLIDING SCALE ** ALL INCLUSIVE - MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, SCAN & SCREENING! **

* OCTOBER

+ PROJECTION BASICS FOR 16MM FILM : TABLE TOP MODEL EIKI SSL-O **
Learn to thread, operate, maintain, and exhibit your 16mm film using the EIKI-SSL-O table top projector and other models.
TUESDAY OCTOBER 1ST from 7:00-9:30 PM + INCLUDES A CREDIT FOR ONE DAY RENTAL ($55 VALUE)
REGISTRATION NOW LIVE * ONE NIGHT SESSION * * DURATIONAL, SINGLE CHANNEL, MULTI-CHANNEL & LOOPING *

+ STEENBECK FLATBED EDITING TABLE & CIRO SPLICER : 16MM EDITING TECHNIQUES **
Sit down at a 4-plate Steenbeck flat-bed editing table and learn to edit your film at 24 fps. Hands on experience with Ciro splicer rewinds and more. Workshop includes 4 hours facilities credit !
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2ND from 7-9:30 PM + CREDIT FOR FACILITIES ACCESS TO THE TABLE (FOUR HOURS!)
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW ! EDIT IN REAL TIME * FLATBED EDITING ON FOUR-PLATE STEENBECK TABLE

+ AATON LTR 16MM FILM MAKING WORKSHOP : FULL FILM TO FILM WORKFLOW : EIKI PROJECTOR **
Enter the world of 24fps crystal sync long format film making with the AAton LTR camera kit. Capture 200’ of film, learn to project your own work print, edit on a Steenbeck flatbed editing table with a CIRO guillotine splicer. Experience a film to film workflow that ends with a premiere screening of your fully timed color work print and retain your camera negative original!
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15TH from 7 -10 PM - AATON LTR CAMERA & MAGAZINE;
Filming schedule: ONE of these sessions (below) will be your inclusive 2+ day camera kit rental - please select when registering:
** OCT 15TH -18th rental session #1 pick up WED 15th at the end of the class and drop off SAT 18th before 11 AM at MONO HQ
** OCT 18TH - 21ST rental session #2 pick up SAT 18TH @ 5 PM and return TUES 21st by 11 AM at MONO HQ
** OCT 21ST- 24TH rental session #3 pick up TUES 18TH @ 5 PM and return FRI 24TH by 11 AM at MONO HQ
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5TH from 7 -10 PM - EIKI PROJECTOR & STEENBECK FLATBED EDITING
OPEN FOR REGISTRATION !! ** INCLUDES 2+DAY RENTAL OF CAMERA KIT, FILM STOCK, DEV & SCAN + PREMIERE IN MANHATTAN!

+ INTRO TO 16MM FILM MAKING WITH BOLEX USING 3383 COLOR POSITIVE PRINT STOCK & HAND PROCESS E6 **
One day intensive INCLUDES 100’ OF FILM TO TAKE HOME! Learn the basics of the Bolex camera to explore the possibilities of capturing moving images on Kodak’s 3383, color print stock. Learn the chemistry and lab skills needed to cross process the film in E-6 - capture and create a projection ready color print all in one afternoon!
SUNDAY OCTOBER 19TH 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW * THREE WORKSHOPS IN ONE - BOLEX + EXPOSURE TEST + CROSS PROCESSING COLOR FILM!

PRIVATE OFFERINGS ** YEAR ROUND **

PRIVATE ONE ON ONE WORKSHOPS on a number of topics. Reserve an instructor for 2 or more hours at a time to be guided safely through any topic of your choosing. These include access to all equipment at the MONO NO AWARE center of operations, chemistry, editing stations and scanner. In some cases we can even come to you, meeting you in the closest public park to socially distance and guide you through the experience. Each private workshop is fully customized to your interest. Contact us for more details. CLICK HERE TO COORDINATE WITH US, PLEASE SPECIFY WHICH SUBJECT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN. PRIVATE WORKSHOPS ARE AVAILABLE ON ANY TOPIC FOR ANY DURATION, SIMPLY CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS.

WORKSHOP POLICIES
Workshop Registration:  Participants must register in advance for MONO NO AWARE workshops. Registration is possible via: PayPal with any major credit card, with check by mail, or you can get in contact if you would like to register in person with cash.  MONO will provide masks and gloves to everyone who asks, hand sanitizer will be provided, all surfaces and equipment will be cleaned before and after sessions. Participation fee must be paid in full at time of registration. Registration is not confirmed until payment has been received in full. MONO NO AWARE workshops are non-transferable. No refunds, transfers or make-ups are allowed for any missed sessions for any reason. Double check your schedule before registering. Workshops are subject to schedule and instructor changes or cancellation at the discretion of MONO NO AWARE. All registered participants will be notified of such changes in a timely fashion. MONO NO AWARE reserves the right to use participant work created in MONO NO AWARE workshops for promotional materials including, but not limited to, workshop trailers, preview stills, grant applications and printed flyers. Participants have the option to notify us if they wish their work to be withheld from being included in such materials, this must happen before the class session begins. Participants also have the option, if they do not wish for their photographic likeness to be used on MONO NO AWARE'S website, social media, and/or any other promotional efforts. All such requests must be made at the time of registration. Audio and video recording of MONO NO AWARE workshops is not permitted.  Workshop Facilities:  Each workshop location will be noted in the course description.  Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received via email only. Participants must cancel fourteen (14) full business days prior to the date of the workshop to receive an 50% refund. No compensation is available for cancellations less than fourteen (14) full business days prior to workshop start time. No compensation is available for non-attendance, INSANE AMOUNTS of fun and knowledge is available for attendance. We hope to see you there!