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 to 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.
Participants will be immersed in an artistic and human journey at the crossroads of art, documentary filmmaking, and ecological engagement, leading to the production of a short film that celebrates these inspiring figures and their profound connection to the ocean.
Guided by industry professionals, residents will experience every stage of documentary production—writing, filming, post-production—an in-depth dive into the making of a socially and environmentally committed film.
The residency also includes:
- Collective workshops, led by a professional coach, to refine both artistic vision and technical approach.
- Encounters with women from the marine world (e.g., freedivers, researchers, fishers, activists, swimmers, skippers).
The filmmakers will capture gestures, hesitations, and creative impulses. The sculptures themselves will be given a voice through narration, as if recounting what they had “absorbed” during their creation.
The objectives:
- Highlight the voices of women working for the Mediterranean.
- Provide artists with a free yet demanding space for creation.
- Explore a new way of telling ecological stories—more embodied, poetic, and accessible.
Each residency welcomes two mentors and four selected artists, chosen not only for the quality of their work but also for their ability to engage in dialogue and collaboration within a group.
Residency Dates
- Residency 1: November 3 – December 19, 2025
- Residency 2: January 5 – February 27, 2026
- Residency 3: March 9 – April 29, 2026
Candidate Profile
- Education and/or experience in documentary cinema or audiovisual production
- Creativity and sensitivity to environmental and social issues
- Strong interest in collective work and artistic collaboration
How to Apply
Send the following documents by September 15, 2025 to contact@mainsaloeuvre.com:
- A statement of intent (max. 300 words)
- A CV
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Number of Participants
4 residents will be selected for each residency.
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.
