Documentary Portraits - Call of the Sea
from November 02, 2026 to April 09, 2027
3 "Documentary Portraits" artist residency sessions on the theme "Call of the Sea"
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About
The Project
Led by the Mains à l’Œuvre association, the BIOPIC residency documents through images and interviews the season's artists (sculptors, painters, writers, comic artists, poets) who came to explore the dialogue between art and environment facing the Mediterranean.
We are recruiting 2 director duos per session to capture the essence of this creative endeavor through a comprehensive transmedia project (a 26-min collaborative film, 1 min 30 Reels capsules, and podcasts).
Schedule
Mandatory attendance for the selected session at Villa Rocabella (Le Pradet, Var):
- Session 1: 02.11 - 18.12.2026
- Session 2: 04.01 - 19.02.2027
- Session 3: 01.03 - 09.04.2027
Required equipment
Candidates must possess and bring all of their own professional video and audio capture and editing equipment (suitable for shooting in UHD / LOG 10-bit) and ensure the security of their media.
Desired profile
Education and/or strong experience in documentary filmmaking, complete technical autonomy in shooting/editing, an appreciation for teamwork, and an interest in the common theme: "The Call of the Open Sea" and the use of AI in artistic practices.
Modalités de candidature
Applications are submitted based on the application materials (individually or as a pair); this will be followed by an interview.
The application materials must include:
- An artistic resume
- A portfolio (10 to 20 pages max.)
- A statement of intent for your artist-in-residence project
Application deadline: July 10, 2026
Application submission link: Submit application
Residents
FAQ
What is the duration of the residency?
Depending on the themes, a residency can last from one week to several months, which gives participants enough time to immerse themselves in the environment and carry out their projects successfully.
Who can participate in a residency?
The residency is open to artists and researchers aged 21 and over and of all levels of experience. Priority is given to those who wish to exchange with their peers or with other creatives from other disciplines. The selection is based on an application file, which includes a project proposal, a portfolio and a statement of interest. A panel of competent experts reviews all applications.
Are there any costs associated with the residence?
All essential expenses are covered: accommodation, full board, housekeeping, consumables, round-trip transportation, as well as access to shared tools and spaces required for collective projects. Residents remain responsible for their personal expenses and any specific costs related to their individual projects. An artistic grant is also awarded to support each residency.
Does the residency include coaching or mentoring?
Each residence is specific. Depending on the themes, participants can have access to personalized coaching and mentoring from renowned experts in their field. Storytelling and pitch training workshops are also often included in programs to help residents better value their work.
Are international applications welcomed?
We welcome applications from around the world for a portion of our residencies. The diversity of perspectives is highly valued in our program and the common language is English.
Please consult the specific residences to see which are in French and which in English.
Are-the residents alone on site ?
During the winter residency periods, Rocabella focuses on its artist-in-residence program.
What is a creative residency in La Rocabella?
Artistic residencies are periods during which artists and creators come to work on their projects around a specific theme. Residents are supervised by a specialist mentor and can benefit from advice from professional artists or specialists to enrich their creative activity.
