At the height of summer, when filmmakers are buried in the edit suite, our Rough Cut Retreat offers a one-of-a-kind, immersive mentorship experience. Launched in 2016 by Catapult Film Fund & the True/False Film Fest, RCR unites nonfiction filmmakers and mentors in a creative, supportive, and engaged atmosphere. Rough Cut Retreat seeks work that displays ambitious, idiosyncratic approaches to nonfiction storytelling – and prioritizes filmmakers who lack strong feedback networks. Chosen mentors represent a variety of nonfiction film professionals who embody creativity and generosity of spirit. The eighth annual Rough Cut Retreat is presented with support from CMP, who share Catapult and True/False’s passion for supporting bold and creative new nonfiction filmmaking. The 2023 retreat will take place July 23-27 at Shire in the Woods in McGrath, Minnesota. Note: while the venue is largely accessible, RCR is also committed to working with each filmmaking team to ensure full access to the retreat and its events.

Eligibility

• Nonfiction Feature film projects that will be in the rough cut stage by Summer of 2023.
• First or second time feature filmmakers with limited feedback networks (see FAQ).
• Filmmaker(s) must be available to attend in person.

Timeline & Specifics

• Rough Cut Retreat will take place July 23-27 at Shire in the Woods in McGrath, Minnesota.
• Five feature films will be chosen to participate, and up to two members from each filmmaking team will be invited to attend.
• Five mentors, in addition to Catapult & True/False hosts, will be present at the event.
• Domestic travel, lodging and food will be booked and covered for filmmaking teams, a partial travel stipend will be made available to teams traveling internationally.

Submissions Information

• Call For Entries runs from March 15th through April 21st, 2023 (5pm central).
• For consideration, fill out the application form below in full. Submissions should include two paragraphs describing your film and an online screener link of 5-10 minutes that best represents the project. If submitting a longer cut, filmmakers are strongly encouraged to specify a 5-10 minute section – otherwise the first 10 minutes of the cut will be watched.
• Long listed projects will be notified by May 1st and will be asked to submit a full cut. The RCR team will reach out to shortlisted projects to schedule phone interviews ahead of the final selection date.
• Only projects with a realistic projection of a sub two and a half hour cut by the retreat will be considered.
• Projects will be notified of decision on or by June 2, 2023
• If selected, a screener link of the film’s rough cut must be submitted by July 15th and a digital file (quicktime .mov, .mp4. or equivalent suitable for projection) must be provided by July 18th.

Questions? Email [email protected]