Nathaniel (Nate) Nelson is a filmmaker, curator, and photojournalist based out of Rochester, Minnesota. He graduated from Winona State University in 2017 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Journalism and Film Studies, and has since focused his efforts on creating and collaborating with members of the Minnesota music community through filmmaking. Through music-based works, his style incorporates hazy, dreamy imagery and strong storytelling. To date, he has directed and produced more than 200 music and art videos with artists across the midwest with videos reaching over a millon viewers. His goal as an artist is to work with those who would normally be shut out from opportunities like music videos and short films, to illuminate those communities, and tell meaningful stories through film.

In conjunction with his background as a Journalist, he has created live session and interview content with Mid West Music Fest, Boats and Bluegrass, Drifter Music Group, Codabow International, Lanesboro Arts, the Smithsonian Institute, the Anderson Center at Tower View and others. 

Nate is the co-founder of Treedome, a production studio, record store, and micro-venue in Rochester, MN as well as Pop’s Art Theater, an independent arthouse cinema — both of which he runs alongside his wife, Maggie. You can find Nate hanging out at a record fair, collecting media and audio gear when he’s not at a show.

• Treedome — Co-owner / Record Buyer

• Pop’s Art Theater — Co-owner / Film Curator

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Music Video “Who’s Laughing Now” - Over 1.8 million views

• Minnesota State Arts Board Grant Recipient, 2021/2023/2024

• Music Filmmaking Workshop, Frozen River Film Fest, 2021

• Winona Fine Arts Commission Grant Recipient, 2020

• Meow Wolf DIY Fund Award - Treedome 2019

• David S. Pyle New Journalist of the Year award by the Minnesota Newspaper Association, 2019

  IN THE NEWS

• Star Tribune — Scenemakers Q&A Feature

• Star Tribune — Former Gray Duck Theater in Rochester gets new owners, name, mission

• Post Bulletin