🌞 Apply now for Spring 2027 retreats!

Each year, Nostos Screenwriting Retreat hosts four immersive, two-week workshops in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. These retreats offer independent filmmakers from around the world the chance to focus deeply on their feature-length narrative scripts in a supportive, creative environment.

Participants take part in a residential workshop, receive individual feedback in one-on-one mentorship sessions, and have plenty of quiet time to write and develop their work at their own pace.

Shared meals, prepared by our cook, are a daily moment to come together, exchange ideas, and unwind.

Whether you're hoping to make real progress on your script or take time to reconnect with your writing, Nostos offers space, structure, and creative support.

Awards & Prizes

Each retreat selects 8–10 writers. Selected applicants are invited to join the next available retreat.

The retreat fee includes accommodation (single or double room) in the Tuscan countryside, all daily meals, two weeks of group workshops, and one-on-one mentorship sessions.

The fee ranges from 3750 to 4750 USD, depending on room type and season. A limited number of scholarships are available.

All applicants receive a 500-word feedback review with constructive notes on their submission, included in the submission fee.

Rules & Terms

To apply, please submit either:
✍️ A detailed treatment (15–30 pages) of your feature script or tv pilot.
✍️ Or a draft of your current screenplay or tv pilot.
Please include a logline with your submission.

All submissions will be reviewed for a chance to be selected for this exclusive two-week writing retreat in the Tuscan countryside.

A team of qualified script readers will evaluate each submission using a point-based system.

✳️ Every submission, in every category, receives a 500-word constructive feedback review. This is included in the submission fee.

When reviewing screenplays, readers assess the following elements:
premise/concept, presentation, structure, plot, pacing, dialogue, characters, theme, and style.

For treatments, the following categories are assessed:
premise/concept, presentation, and originality.

Script length guidelines:
→ Feature-length screenplays should be between 60 and 160 pages. Tv Pilots from 25 to 65 pages.

Please note:
→ Submissions must be in English
→ The file you upload at the time of submission is the one that will be reviewed
→ If you need to replace your script after submitting, please email lucia@nostosscreenwritingretreats.com within 24 hours. We cannot guarantee review of any updated files sent later.
33 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Value
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  • Shanee Edwards

    This retreat is a lovely experience in a beautiful setting. Nora worked very hard to make sure everyone feels taken care of and my mentor Paul Kowalski gave me some of the best writing advice I've ever gotten. Can't recommend Nostos enough!!

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the review, Shanee! Paul really is great -- we're so glad you had a lovely experience at Nostos!

  • kelly jean karam

    Never turn down an opportunity of a lifetime. Nostos Screenwriting Retreat offers paradise on earth for a Writer. Thank you Nora, Lucia, Elia "Jesus", Isabella and Antonella. I will be grateful to you for an eternity.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Kelly! We are so glad that you had such a great time at Nostos! Wishing you the best with your writing.

  • AEG G

    Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your festival. I am truly honoured that my script, Trust Me, was selected to be part of such a prestigious event!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Sarah Jayne Portelli

    Being selected to be part of the Nostos Screenwriting Retreat this year was a highlight of my writing career. Most importantly the experience changed me as a writer for the better and now I write my screenplays with conviction as I learnt a lot from the other writers as well as our mentor. Italy is a dream, and what better way to spend time in the magical country than in a villa with other writers. Thanks Nostos May 2025 crew for your welcoming hospitality, for nourishing my body with fresh, local food and my soul with space to write without distractions ... Thanks too to my fellow writers, all of whom hailed from the USA, your support and spirits as well as your feedback on my writing was a huge benefit. To writers thinking of applying, do it, if you can make it possible to happen for you I recommend the Nostos experience.

    September 2025
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  • Mike Klubeck

    Attending the Nostos Writing Retreat was one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. The setting was stunning, the team was incredibly kind and attentive, and the group of writers I had the pleasure of meeting made the experience truly unforgettable. There was a real sense of community, inspiration, and support that elevated my writing and reminded me why I love doing this work. If you’re looking for a retreat that offers not just time and space to write, but a meaningful and personal connection to place and people, I can’t recommend Nostos enough.

    June 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for this lovely feedback, Mike! We're so glad that you had such a fulfilling experience. Do stay in touch, and we wish you all the best with your writing!