Call for Projects
Villa Hegra International Scriptwriting Residency
Published
Villa Hegra International Scriptwriting Residency : The Art of Shaping Film Ideas
An international residency program for filmmakers and screenwriters dedicated to the early-stage development of feature film projects.
Launched by Villa Hegra in partnership with Film AlUla and Afalula, and delivered by LIM² | Less is More & Le Groupe Ouest.
The Villa Hegra International Scriptwriting Residency is an artistic residency for filmmakers, dedicated to the earliest phase of narrative creation and writing for feature films.
The residency is designed for international filmmakers/screenwriters seeking to develop original projects. It provides a structured, supportive, and highly creative environment for exploration of story possibilities and narrative elaboration.
The program brings together a cohort of 8 professional international filmmakers/screenwriters and unfolds across two highly complementary workshops:
- Workshop 1: hosted at Le Groupe Ouest (LIM founder), Brittany (France), July 6th – 10th, 2026
- Workshop 2: hosted at Villa Hegra, AlUla (Saudi Arabia), October 19th – 24th, 2026
This residency is made possible thanks to the support of Afalula and Film AlUla.
The residency aims to:
- Support the emergence and consolidation of unique feature film projects.
- Enable in-depth reflection on premises, story foundations, creation of meaning and resulting emotional impact.
- Introduce new methodologies for the ideation phase and strengthen the project’s narrative power.
- Foster consistent dialogue and exchange among experienced international writers of the new generation.
The residency is composed of two sequential workshops:
- Workshop 1 – in Brittany, France (Le Groupe Ouest): 5 days onsite
Focus on initial concept exploration & narrative framing.
- Workshop 2 – in AlUla, Saudi Arabia (Villa Hegra): 6 days onsite
Further development and consolidation of the project’s narrative architecture in a distinct & highly creative context.
Participation in both workshops is mandatory.
Eligibility
This Call for Projects is open to international professional filmmakers/screenwriters. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a professional filmmakers/screenwriters working in feature film or series
- Have at least one previous project (film or series) that has been internationally exhibited (festival selection, broadcast, or platform distribution)
- Submit an original feature film project intended for development during the residency
- Demonstrate a clear authorship approach and commitment to advancing the submitted project
- The residency is open to international applicants.
- The working language of the International Residency is English (thus a good knowledge of English is essential to participate).
Project Requirements
Applicants must submit one project that:
- Is in at an early stage of development
- Is intended as a feature film
- Demonstrates a strong narrative premise or research basis
- Is suitable for development through exploratory and conceptual work
- Projects that are already in advanced script development stages are not eligible.
Application Materials
Applicants are required to submit:
- A Summary (850 characters maximum, spaces included = 10 lines)
- A Short treatment (6,000 characters maximum, spaces included = 2 pages)
- A Director’s intention note stating your purpose, the kind of film you have in mind, and explain why you want to develop this project now? (3,000 characters maximum, spaces included = 1 page)
- A Biography / Experience (850 characters maximum, spaces included (= 10 lines)
- A Filmography and/or other works (Maximum of 3 films + links & passwords if needed to watch these 3 films)
- Link to one previous film/artwork the most representative of your writer/director’s touch
- A “Tell Me” video (4 to 5 minutes maximum): in addition to the documents you are sending for your application, we would like you to send us what we call a “Tell Me” which is a short video of yourself pitching your project. This video should be:
– A Webcam shot in one take, as simple as possible, no editing.
– This should be you simply telling us the story you have in mind, bringing us close to your main character(s) struggle.
– Give as much as possible a vision of where the story goes (beginning, middle and end), what will be the drive, as well as the atmosphere. Please try to take/catch us even if you’re in a very beginning stage of development. Click here for more about the “Tell Me” →
Fill out the form below.
Advice: write down your answers on a separated document first (you can’t save the form)
All materials must be submitted in English.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Artistic quality and originality of the proposed project
- Relevance of the project to an early stage of development framework
- Applicant’s professional track record and authorship
- Potential for meaningful advancement during the residency
A maximum of 8 participants will be selected.
Residency Conditions
Selected participants will receive:
- Participation in both residency workshops
- Accommodation and meals in Brittany and AlUla
- Travel and logistical support
Further logistical details will be provided to selected participants.
Timeline
- Application deadline: May 25th, 2026
- Notification of results: June 4th, 2026
- Public announcement social media: June 28th, 2026
- Workshop 1 (Brittany): July 6th to 10th, 2026
- Workshop 2 (AlUla): October 19th to 24th, 2026
