Each year Nostos Screenwriting Retreat offers three-week intensive screenwriting workshops taking place in the Tuscan Countryside.

Our next retreats will happen in Tuscany in September and October 2022.

The retreat gives independent filmmakers from around the world the opportunity to work intensively on their feature-length narrative scripts or their Tv Pilots in an environment structured to foster collaboration and high-quality script development. The retreat consists of a three-week residential workshop and one on one mentorships. The lab is facilitated by a professional in the field with long-standing experience. In addition to the script guidance provided by the facilitator through workshop sessions and one-on-one meetings, and additional professional advice by a guest speaker, participants have plenty of time for writing. The participant's projects get workshopped by other international filmmakers and screenwriters, and our writers become a part of a community of other like-minded artists in a naturally beautiful, protected, and inspiring environment.

Awards & Prizes

In total, 8 - 12 writers are selected for each retreat. One scholarship winner is chosen per season. The selected writers are invited to join the next available retreat, where accommodation (single or double rooms) in the Tuscan countryside, all daily meals, and of course the three weeks of group workshops and one-to-one mentorship is provided.

Rules & Terms

To apply, send the treatment of your feature script/TV pilot or draft of your current screenplay, along with a logline, and your biography for the possibility to be selected for this exclusive three-week writing retreat in the Tuscan countryside.

We judge each script and treatment with a point system in different categories.

When judging screenplays, these categories include premise-concept, presentation, structure, plot, pacing, dialogue, characters, theme, and style.

For treatments (these must be detailed, 15 to 30 page-long treatments) we judge the premise-concept, presentation, and originality of the story.

Your feature script should be no shorter than 60 pages (TV Pilots can be shorter) and no longer than 160 pages. The recommended length is 80 to 125 pages for feature scripts.

*** Please note that we only accept English-language submissions. ***

We look forward to reading your work!
17 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Value
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  • Virginia Youngren

    I can't say enough about the quality of this outstanding writers' retreat. Writers were thoughtful and creative; mentors were well-selected for what they could offer participants. The location was outstanding.

    November 2022
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  • Jacob Combs

    I had an all-around wonderful experience at Nostos. The flexibility of the program allows you to engage in the way that’s most productive for your individual writing and project. My fellow participants and our mentor were smart, supportive and gave feedback that helped my script improve by leaps and bounds. The guest speaker on pitching changed my whole perspective on how to share my creative work. And then of course there’s the setting and the food and the chance to experience Italy! My advice to anyone considering participating in this program would be simple and very short: Go!

    September 2022
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  • Hal Schneider

    I had a very productive and focused experience at Nostos, writing for hours everyday, receiving feedback on my script from a diverse group of people, and getting valuable training in the art of the pitch from leading industry professionals. Nora has been very active with promoting my script and helping me to get it into the right hands. I’ve also learned a great deal about how the film industry and financing work in Europe.

    Nostos is a great place to sharpen your skills as a writer, and industry professional, and to make new friends.

    October 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for this wonderful review!

    Hearing that the experience was productive and inspiring means a lot to us. We ultimately want to see all these wonderful projects that get selected made!

    Wishing you the best of luck,

    Nora

  • Brandon Stark

    For the first time in over four years, I have reached a level of peace and focus on writing I could not have achieved without the Nostos Screenwriting Retreat.

    Nora and her team have created a writing environment that not only lets screenwriters take a step back from their everyday lives but an opportunity allowing writers to see true potential within their own projects and work.

    From the home cooked meals to the special guest speakers, I’ve learned certain lessons and skills that have allowed me to take my writing to the next level. I feel confident, recharged and ready to move forward with my screenwriting career.
    Attending the Fall 2021 Nostos Screenwriting Retreat was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

    October 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for these kind words, Brandon! We are honored that you chose Nostos as a home to develop your project further, and we wish you the best of luck on your career!

  • edoardo berardi

    I received a very good retreat of my screenplay, with a lot of details and advices.
    Thank you!

    June 2021
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