What our writers say

Lisa Romagnoli
Filmmaker

To risk being hyperbolic - it was one of the best creative experiences I've ever had. I loved being able to have a full two weeks away from the distractions of everyday life to thoroughly focus on my creative work, I loved the encouragement and support from the group, and it was also incredibly beneficial to meet people from all different corners of the industry and varying career stages.

Monique Matthews
Filmmaker

The Nostos retreat was lovely: I’ve always wanted to write under the Tuscan sun. I was also fortunate enough to receive something I did not expect — genuine fellowship and community. Our cohort was fantastic — creative, caring and extremely supportive of one another’s work.

Mike Klubeck
Director

Creatively, it may have been one of the most fulfilling periods of my life. The group of writers was, hands down, the highlight. We formed a real bond, and the memories we created together elevated the entire experience. It’s rare to find that kind of chemistry and mutual inspiration, and I’ll carry it with me for a long time.

Frank Donnangelo

Writer & Director

The retreat was absolutely fantastic, incredibly enriching, and helped push me artistically in my own writing in such a unique way. The time and space (and the setting!) that the retreat gave me to focus on my work was such a godsend. I would come back in a heartbeat.

Alex Qin

Filmmaker

I feel inspired, confident, and I'm really happy with the work I got done on the retreat. I made some new life-long friends. I ate incredible food every day. And I got to take the most gorgeous runs across the Tuscan countryside. Honestly, I am beside myself with gratitude.

Hal Schneider
Actor/Writer/Director

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

Brandon Stark

Writer

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.

Sarah Jayne Portelli
Screenwriter & Film Director

This really was a life-changing event for me as a writer, and I learned so much from my fellow writers.

Suzy Miller

Screenwriter/Filmmaker

Nostos was amazing. I had enough time to really immerse myself in writing a brand new project with fantastic mentors, and co-attendees who still support each other in our ongoing feedback group […] the international breadth and diversity of the writers attending was wonderful.

Faye Yuan
Writer/Producer/Editor

This retreat far exceeded my expectations of what writing in Tuscany could be. The perfect combination of group workshop, live readings, one-on-one mentoring, and silent writing to help overcome writer's block, kill the necessary darlings, and achieve timely breakthroughs. [...]

Upon returning from the retreat, my producer has already marveled on more than one occasion, "Is this what the Tuscan sun does to you?" I would not trade this group for anything!

David Salazar
Writer/Director

I had an amazing experience, and one that I will never forget. I am so thankful for having had the opportunity to meet all of the wonderful people at Nostos, as well as my colleagues with whom I shared these two weeks. I loved the flexibility of the experience, and I learned a great deal from the different opportunities presented.

Devi Snively
Filmmaker & Screenwriter

As I told my new wonderful Nostos family at our final wonderful meal together, I have always dreamed of having been a writer in 1920s Paris, engaging with other artists in food, drink, discussion and creativity in a magical venue. Now I realize that dream can come true in modern day Tuscany. [...] The mentorship and support from everybody helped me complete the most polished first draft of a screenplay I've ever written. This is a writer's dream come true.

Kaylee Kilkenny

Writer & Filmmaker

Thanks to Nostos I was able to FINALLY able take a second to breathe. The energy of the entire Nostos family helped me take those breaths and use them to propel me towards a healthier path in my writing.

Lara Mrkoci
Actor & Editor

My time on Elba working on my feature screenplay was priceless. I came there with only an outline and left with 72 pages of my feature. [...] While at this retreat I noticed my approach to my writing shifting, for the better, and I feel that I left with a deeper understanding of my craft. [...] The opportunity to focus on writing for three solid weeks is a gift that any writer should give themselves.