We recently connected with Mateo Nikolav and have shared our conversation below.
Mateo , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is a mix of necessity, purpose, and optimism. Coming from a background where I had to carve out my own opportunities, I learned early on that if I didn’t put in the effort and discipline, pursuing my dreams would be impossible.
My drive comes from my genuine love for filmmaking and my deep appreciation for how cinema can unite people and inspire kindness. To succeed, you have to believe in the stories you want to tell, because there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a vision come to life. Every project presents a challenge worth facing, and that belief is what keeps me going, even when things get tough.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My production company, Mindo Laboratories, is committed to telling bold, genre-bending stories that celebrate our shared human experience. As a writer, director, and producer, I focus on creating narratives that challenge conventions and amplify underrepresented voices, particularly from queer and marginalized communities. Our mission at Mindo Labs is to make films that entertain while also fostering empathy, dialogue, and change.
It’s taken a few years to build the company from the ground up, but I’m excited to see our films finally being shared with the world. One of our first projects, Masc, directed by Jason Eldredge, is currently on the festival circuit, having screened at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival this past February and set to premiere in New York City at the Chelsea Film Festival this October. Similarly, our project Pray Away is now in submission for festivals with a planned premiere next year.
As we celebrate the success of our earlier projects, we’re also moving forward with new ones. One of our current projects in production that I’m co-directing, Queer Diaries, is a documentary that dives into the lives and experiences of queer individuals across the globe, exploring their stories of resilience and identity. It’s an important project for both me and my partner, given our personal backgrounds and the need for more authentic queer representation on screen. We’re also in pre-production for INTERNET BOY, a psychological thriller directed by Joseph Demaria, which taps into the anxieties of modern dating with a voyeuristic twist. Finally, Algún Día (‘Someday’ in Spanish) is a drama based on real-life events, currently in post-production. The film delves into the personal and emotional journey of writer/director Anna Reynoso immigrating to the United States, resonating deeply with the kind of stories I’m passionate about sharing through Mindo Labs.
What excites me most about our production company is the diverse and talented community of creatives that we are building. I started Mindo Laboratories with the hope of not only telling meaningful stories but also to work with my friends and connect people from all backgrounds. I have a knack for linking creatives to unique opportunities and fostering collaborations that elevate everyone involved. Mindo Labs is about creating a network of highly talented, diverse individuals who come together to create work that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Our stories have the freedom to merge genres and explore different storytelling techniques while maintaining a focus on narratives that are deeply personal and impactful. We’re always pushing boundaries, experimenting with new forms, and that’s what makes the work feel truly special.
I’m excited to continue developing projects that challenge, inspire, and connect with audiences around the world
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, the qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, creativity, and a commitment to collaboration. The filmmaking industry is filled with challenges and setbacks, but staying resilient allows you to push through and keep pursuing your vision.
For those starting out, I recommend embracing failure as part of the learning process. Each setback can be a stepping stone toward growth. On the same level, filmmaking is fundamentally an artistic endeavor, and nurturing your creativity is essential. This can involve exploring different genres, styles, and techniques. For newcomers, I think that engaging in diverse creative experiences, like watching films outside your comfort zone and experimenting with various forms of storytelling can help.
Filmmaking is not a solo endeavor; it thrives on teamwork and collaboration, so building strong relationships with fellow creatives is key to growing as an artist and a filmmaker.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to collaborate with at Mindo Labs. We’re particularly interested in filmmakers, writers, and creatives who have a similar drive for authenticity, hard work, and a unique vision to share with the world.
Anyone interested in collaborating or getting help with their film can message me on instagram at @mateonikolav, LinkedIn or send me a message through the Mindo Labs website or my personal website listed below:
https://mindolabs.com/contact
https://mateonikolav.com/contact
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindolabs.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindo.labs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71270174/
- Other: https://mateonikolav.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
