The Nostos Docs Research and Development Lab is a two-week retreat designed for documentary filmmakers who want to develop their projects in an intensive, collaborative setting.
Selected participants will benefit from expert mentorship, industry insights, and a supportive creative environment in the Tuscan countryside.
The Nostos Docs Research and Development Lab is dedicated to empowering emerging and established documentary filmmakers to develop compelling, thought-provoking stories.
Through an intensive two-week program, participants refine their creative vision, strengthen their narratives, and gain practical industry insights into pitching, funding, and distribution. Our goal is to help filmmakers turn ideas into actionable, production-ready projects while fostering a collaborative and supportive documentary community.
Our mentors
Antonio Tibaldi
Mentor
Antonio is an award-winning writer and director of fiction and non-fiction films, with work showcased at festivals including Berlin, Sundance, and Tribeca, and distributed by Miramax, Warner Bros., and Lion’s Gate. A Fulbright scholar with an MFA from CalArts, he consults for UNTV and creates documentary content highlighting under-reported stories across South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. His projects have received support from The Gotham, Tribeca Film Institute, and Film Independent, and have screened at MoMA and MoMI. He is a WGA East member and co-director of the MFA in Film at The City College of New York.
FAQs
How do I apply?
Participants interested in attending the Nostos Documentary Film Lab must apply via Filmfreeway with a treatment/proposal for a feature documentary (more than 40 minutes) or documentary series.
How many filmmakers will be accepted?
The lab can accommodate six filmmakers. Selections are based on the applicant's experience as well as the strength of their proposal.
What is the retreat schedule?
During the first week participants dive deeper into their story ideas, characters and settings by attending daily group workshops that are led by a mentor (expert in the industry). They then further explore these aspects and brainstorm their films overall creative direction during dedicated one on one sessions.
During the second half of the residency, a guest speaker will give a workshop on the creation of a successful Pitch Deck, the Art of Pitching and the creation of a captivating teaser. A second Guest Speaker will then expand the conversation around strategies for funding, sales and distribution and give individual feedback for each project.
What should my proposal include?
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A short Bio (500 words or less)
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A short Synopsis (500 words or less)
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Notes of Intent and Motivation of the Filmmaker. Why are you the best person to tell this story? Personal ties to the story? (500 words or less)
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What are you hoping to get out of the lab? (500 words or less)
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Description of the characters and access to the locations (500 words or less)
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Mood boards or/and photographic elements
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Explanation of the research already done (500 words or less)
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Detailed description of the stage at which the project is at, whether some filming has already occurred or not, and intended start date for production (500 words or less)