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. 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 2024 retreat will take place in late July. Exact dates and location will be announced soon. 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
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Nonfiction Feature film projects that will be in the rough cut stage by Summer of 2024.
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First or second time feature filmmakers with limited feedback networks. See frequently asked questions HERE
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Filmmaker(s) must be available to attend in person.
Timeline & Specifics
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Five feature films will be chosen to participate, and up to two members from each filmmaking team will be invited to attend.
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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
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Applications for the 2024 Rough Cut Retreat will open in March 2024.
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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.
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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.
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Only projects with a realistic projection of a sub two and a half hour cut by the retreat will be considered.
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Projects will be notified of decision on or by June 2, 2024.
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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?
Any questions can be directed to Lindsey Arrington, Program Coordinator: lindsey@truefalse.org
APPLY HERE
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)
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)
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).