A Catapult Film Fund & True/False Film Fest Collaboration
At the height of summer, when filmmakers are neck-deep in the editing process, Rough Cut Retreat offers a one-of-a-kind mentorship experience. Launched in 2016, RCR unites nonfiction filmmakers and mentors in a creative, supportive, and engaged atmosphere. After months in an edit suite, filmmakers often lose perspective; this is a key moment for fresh eyes in a safe space – a focus group for filmmakers to diagnose what is and isn’t working with their film. When selecting projects, True/False and Catapult prioritize work that displays an ambitious, idiosyncratic approach to nonfiction storytelling. We especially encourage filmmakers and those who do not have established feedback networks to apply. Additionally, preference will be given to projects that have not already received significant institutional support. Chosen mentors are professionals who embody creativity and generosity of spirit.
Timeline & Specifics
-
Rough Cut Retreat will take place during the summer of July 23-28, 2022 at the Carey Institute for Global Good in Rensselaerville, New York.
-
5 nonfiction feature films will be chosen to participate, and 2 members from each filmmaking team may attend.
-
5 mentors, in addition to T/F and Catapult hosts, will be present at the event.
-
Domestic travel, lodging and food will be booked and covered for filmmaking teams; a modest travel stipend will be made available to teams traveling internationally.
Submissions Information
-
Call For Entries runs from March 14th through April 29th, 2022
-
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. Longer work samples will be considered at the jurors’ discretion. Note that the first 10 minutes of all entries will always be watched.
-
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 3rd, 2022
-
If selected, a screener link of the film’s rough cut must be submitted by July 16th and a digital file (quicktime .mov, .mp4. or equivalent suitable for projection) must be provided by July 19th.
Accessibility
- Given the historic campus, some buildings require advanced notice to modify for accessibility. For more information and to request accommodations, please contact lindsey@truefalse.org
Questions?
Visit the FAQs or email RCR coordinator lindsey@truefalse.org
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).
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)
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!*)
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).
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).
Location: Mayacamas Ranch, Calistoga, CA / August 7 – 11
Mentors: Nels Bangerter (editor, Cameraperson), Rachel Boynton (director, Big Men,), Pedro Kos (editor, The Square), Dan Krauss (director, The Kill Team), and Kristine Samuelson (director, Tokyo Waka).