The Ouray Film Sabbatical is a fully funded residential experience that provides creative support, rest, and community for filmmakers (in any role), film writers (critics, academics, journalists), and film programmers (festival organizers, theatrical programmers, and educators). The sabbatical takes place in the beautiful mountain town of Ouray, Colorado.

Born out of the Ouray International Film Festival (OIFF)—now entering its seventh year—the sabbatical is led by Jared LaCroix, Jake Abell, and Ben Wiessner, all filmmakers and OIFF leaders. Other 2027 on-site facilitators include Alexandria Bombach (It's Only Life After All, On Her Shoulders). More coming soon...

"Focused on rest and community - two things almost everyone in the filmmaking industry seems to be craving - the Ouray Film Sabbatical not only helped reinforce my perspective on my work and where it might be heading, but also shifted how I think about life more broadly. " - Rob Munday, Managing Editor of Short of the Week, Sabbatical Fellow 2026

"Thoughtful and thought-provoking, nurturing and supportive, in a soul-deep kinda way. Cannot recommend it highly enough!" - Elizabeth Rao, Writer & Director, Sabbatical Fellow 2026

"There are few places on Earth that feel more creatively supportive than the Ouray Film Festival, a gorgeous mountain setting where creators come together to support each other’s visions." -Brian Tallerico, Managing Editor of RogerEbert.com

https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/ouray-film-festival-launches-new-filmmaker-lab

https://www.shortoftheweek.com/news/inside-the-ouray-film-sabbatical/

Awards & Prizes

Participants receive a fully funded experience, including airfare, lodging, and meals.

Rules & Terms

Unlike most labs, this sabbatical experience is available not just to filmmakers but also writers and festival programmers. Anyone who makes films, writes about films (either critics or academics), or programs films (at festivals or other institutions) is welcome to apply. We are looking to create a diverse cohort who represent the full spectrum of independent film across these varied roles.

A brief application will ask you to answer a few questions about your creative journey and what you hope to get out of this sabbatical. You will be asked to upload a work sample.

6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Elizabeth Rao

    In our constantly-"connected" world, we've got to foster spaces for ongoing dialogue, where true vulnerability and questioning the creative process can be embraced, as part of the process itself.

    Ouray Film Sabbatical created that kind of space and time: thoughtful and thought-provoking, nurturing and supportive, in a a soul-deep kinda way. Cannot recommend it highly enough!

    March 2026
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  • Sam Osborn

    A wonderful, valuable program for pretty much anyone in the independent film ecosystem. It's like a meeting of the minds between directors, producers, documentarians, writers, festival programmers, etc -- but a meeting of the minds where you also go to hot springs, make crafts, and enjoy a beautiful little mountain town.

    March 2026
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  • Kayla Galang

    Take me back! Seriously. A revitalizing experience crafted with fresh air, mountain views, homemade meals, arts and crafts, and most importantly, the people. The mutual investment by artists, organizers, and community alike -- you can feel it in everything. It's rare, it's precious, and it's worth protecting -- especially during these times we live in. I can't thank the hosts, facilitators, fellows, and Ouray community enough for this opportunity to rest, reflect, recharge, and rewire in a way I didn't know was possible. Thank you.

    March 2026
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  • Hannah Schierbeek

    Highly recommend the invaluable experience and space offered by the Ouray Film Sabbatical. The lovely hosts and facilitators met each of the fellows with support and understanding based on the different points where each of us showed up in our careers. The schedule was flexible based on individual needs. Activities included group meals, writing exercises, crafts, reflective conversations, and river walks in the mountains. I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for rest, reflection, and community support.

    March 2026
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  • Paris Burris

    A life-changing experience for filmmakers across disciplines. The Ouray Film Sabbatical offers the very thing that is more important than ever right now, which is community. Being surrounded by good company in the mountains was just what my soul needed. My creative spirit is renewed. I highly recommend this experience to any filmmaker, programmer, journalist, etc. who either needs support with a project or needs to recharge between projects.

    March 2026
    Helpful