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?
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.
