Looking for a cool new skill? “MONO NO AWAREl” in Downtown Brooklyn offers workshops for absolute beginners to learn 16mm filmmaking. Want to meet young independent filmmakers in New York? “MONO NO AWARE”also hosts free community film screenings, perfect for connecting with filmmakers and enthusiasts. Here’s how to get started: - Workshops: Sign up on their website: [mononoawarefilm.com]( MONO NO AWARE . - Screenings: Follow their Instagram: [@mononoawarefilm]( Mono No Aware (@mononoawarefilm) • Insta... . - Questions? Email Steve, the founder—he’s quick to respond. I first heard about “MONO NO AWARE” during a 16mm class in college, where my professor called it the best non-profit art organization for 16mm filmmaking in New York City. The name “MONO NO AWARE”is a Japanese term meaning “the pathos of things.” It symbolizes the fleeting beauty of time, like fireworks or cherry blossoms—a poetic way to think about film. As a filmmaker, learning 16mm film gave me a fresh perspective. Unlike the simplicity of digital filming, 16mm lets you physically engage with the process. A Bolex camera captures 24 individual frames of film per second. Each frame holds a tiny moment, and together they create smooth motion. What makes this special is that you can hold the film strip in your hand—24 frames represent one second of time. It’s a tangible way to experience how film captures reality. Don’t be intimidated by the “8-hour class time” listed for workshops. The actual teaching is about 3-4 hours, covering techniques and practice runs. The remaining time is open studio access—book the space with Steve when you’re ready to refine your work. Workshops cost around $250, and for the education and access provided, it’s a fantastic value. As a film school graduate, I found their curriculum incredibly condensed and educational.