Documentary Film Residency
November 2025 to April 2026
3 residencies of 2 months to make three documentaries on the theme “Guardians of the Sea”. Writing, filming, post-production and artistic exchanges at La Rocabella.
About
For 7-8 weeks, four writer-directors will have the opportunity to follow and document the creation of sculptures inspired by the powerful stories of women activists, scientists, and defenders of the marine environment.
You will be immersed in an artistic and human process, at the crossroads of art, documentary and ecological commitment, to give life to a Short film which celebrates these inspiring figures and their deep connection to the ocean.
Supervised by professionals, residents enjoy an immersive experience, addressing all stages of documentary production:
- Writing, filming, post-production - a dive into the making of a committed film.
- Group workshops, led by a professional coach, to refine the artistic and technical vision.
- Meeting with representatives of the marine world (example: freediver, researcher, fisherwoman, activist, swimmer, skipper...)
The directors will capture the gestures, the hesitations, the impulses. The sculptures speak in voiceover, as if they were telling what they “received” during their development.
The objective?
- Highlight the voices of women working for the Mediterranean;
- Offer artists a free and demanding creative space;
- Invent a new way of telling the story of ecology, more embodied, poetic and accessible.
Each session will welcome two referees and 4 artists, selected for the quality of their work, but also for their ability to dialogue and collaborate within a group.
Residence 1
Dates: November 1 — December 19, 2025
Residence 2
Dates: January 5 — February 27, 2026
Residence 3
Dates: March 9 — April 30, 2026
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?
The residence is fully financed and covers all essential expenses: accommodation, full board, cleaning, and most of the tools common to residents to carry out collective projects. However, participants are responsible for any personal expenses they may have and for any specific expenses related to their personal project.
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 ?
Yes, single guests are encouraged to share meals with residents. This is not mandatory but, depending on the affinities, it makes it possible to promote exchanges and the sharing of experiences. In general, the program of stays also includes workshops and specific sessions with artists in residence.
During the residency, Rocabella is open to individual stays for customers that want to escape for few days.
We encourage exchanges between residents and customers. This can allow residents to show their work, and even expand their network, while allowing the customers to discover creative activities and the people behind them. Interactive moments could be imagined, depending on the residencies, to allow the customers to discover, in an inspiring and engaging way, the projects the residents are working on.
What is a creative residency in La Rocabella?
Creative residencies are periods during which artists and creatives come to work on their projects, most often around a specific theme, often in collaboration with other artists. Residents are generally supervised by a referent and participate in training sessions in addition to their creative work.
During the residencies, the estate is open to individual stays of customers who come to recharge their batteries at La Rocabella. During these stays, contacts are encouraged to promote exchanges between residents and customers of the estate. Specific sessions are offered to customers to go further on a theme and discover more in an inspiring and interactive way the projects on which residents are working.
