RCR 2023
RCR 2023
RCR 2023
RCR 2023
RCR 2021
RCR 2021
RCR 2023
RCR 2023
RCR 2019
RCR 2019
RCR 2021
RCR 2021
RCR 2023
RCR 2023

Rough Cut Retreat

A Catapult Film Fund & True/False Film Fest Collaboration

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.

Eligibility

Timeline & Specifics

Submissions Information

2024hide films

Location: Whispertree in Boonville, California. // July 21-25

Director Ramona Diaz (And So It Begins), editor Amy Foote (All the Beauty and the Bloodshed), director Peter Nicks (Homeroom), editor David Teague (Frida), and film executive Noland Walker (ITVS)

 

2023show films

Location: Shire in the Woods in McGrath, Minnesota // July 23-27

Director Steven Bognar (American Factory), editor Fiona Otway (Iraq in Fragments), director Yoruba Richen (The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks), editor David Teague (Life, Animated), and director Stephanie Wang-Breal (Blowin’ Up)

 

2022show films

Location: Carey Institute for Global Good, Rensselaerville, NY / July 23 – 28.

Mentors: Director Rita Baghdadi (Sirens, My Country No More), Editor Carla Gutierrez (RBG, Pray Away), Film Exec Simon Kilmurry (POV, IDA), Editor David Teague (​Life Animated, Cutie and the Boxer), Editor/Producer/ Director Lynn True (Summer Pasture, In Transit)

 

2021show films

Location: Bell Valley Retreat, CA / August 1 – 5

Mentors: editor Nels Bangerter (Cameraperson, Dick Johnson is Dead), film exec Jihan Robinson (Casting JonBenet, A Thousand Cuts), editor David Teague (Cutie and the Boxer, Life Animated), director/editor Malika Zouhali-Worrall (Call Me Kuchu, Through the Night), and producer/Catapult Film Fund co-founder Lisa Kleiner Chanoff (Art and Craft, Watchers of the Sky).

 

2020show films

Virtual Retreat / July 25 – 31

Mentors: Don Bernier (editor: Athlete A, Always in Season), Bonni Cohen (producer/director: Athlete A, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, Audrie & Daisy), Omar Mullick (director/cinematographer: These Birds Walk), Rahdi Taylor (producer: Time), David Teague (editor: Cutie and the Boxer, Freeheld, Spaceship Earth)

 

2019show films

Carey Institute for Global Good, Rensselaerville, NY / August 4 – 8.

Mentors: Bonni Cohen(producer/director: Athlete A, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, Audrie & Daisy) Toby Shimin ​(editor: Buck, How to Dance in Ohio, Ernie & Joe), David Teague​ (editor/producer ​Life Animated, Cutie and the Boxer, Freeheld, Knock Down the House), Jean Tsien (editor/producer: *Scottsboro: An American Tragedy, Malcolm X: Make It Plain, Travis, Solar Mamas; Something Within Me, Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing,​ and ​Miss Sharon Jones!*​)

 

2018show films

Location: Carey Institute for Global Good, Rensselaerville, NY / July 22 – 26.

Mentors: Erin Casper (editor: Detropia, T/F 2013), Rachel Grady (co-director: 12th & Delaware), Josh Penn (producer: Beasts Of The Southern Wild), Aaron Wickenden (editor: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, T/F 2018), Roger Ross Williams (director: Life Animated, T/F 2015).

 

2017show films

Location: Gedney Farm, New Marlborough, MA / July 23 – 27

Mentors: Amanda Branson-Gill (producer, The Unknown Known), David Teague (editor, Life Animated; Cutie & the Boxer), Chris Hegedus (director, The War Room), Mark Becker (Director/Producer, Art & Craft; Pressure Cooker), and Pete Nicks (director, The Force).