Oxbelly Screenwriters Program
Lab · 2026Prestige 72/100
Eight days in Greece with flights, board and everything covered. For writer-directors on their second feature.
Deadlines & fees
Closed for this cycle
The 2026 round closed on 14 January 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern European Time, with the retreat running 1 to 9 July 2026. The 2027 cycle is unannounced. The cadence is consistent across the two cycles we could evidence directly: an annual mid-to-late January deadline always at 11:59pm EET, an eight-day retreat at Costa Navarino in late June or early July, always free and fully funded. The deadline crept eight days earlier between 2025 and 2026, and the published cohort number was dropped for 2026 having previously been ten.
Dates and fees checked against the official site 9 Aug 2026.
Key facts
- Formats
- Feature
- Eligibility
- Open worldwide18+
- Required materials
- Project synopsis · Writer's statement · Treatment · Full script · A sample of the debut fiction feature · Mood board (optional)
THE GATE IS THE THING TO CHECK FIRST: this is open only to writer-directors in the process of writing their second fiction feature who have already had one fiction feature produced, and that debut must have been both written and directed by the applicant and be picture-locked at the time of application. A writer who does not direct cannot use this programme regardless of credits. Applicants must be 18 or over and not students. Open to Greek and international applicants with no quota, though applicants must lead their own visa process with their embassy while Oxbelly supplies documentation. The working language is English and a good knowledge of it is essential. Fiction features only: hybrids with a strong cinematic voice are considered, but family animation and classic documentaries are not accepted, and submissions must be the writer's original work so adaptations are excluded. One project per applicant. Writing partnerships of a maximum of two may enter, and co-writing and co-directing credits as a duo count towards eligibility. Resubmissions are accepted. You may apply to both Oxbelly programmes but must choose one if accepted to both.
Prizes
No cash award, prize or stipend of any kind. The value is entirely in kind, and it is substantial: Oxbelly states that the programme has no cost to apply and that all expenses for fellows, including flights, accommodation and meals, are covered. Nothing is excluded in the published text, which makes this the only fully funded, zero-cost residency in the directory. No scholarship or waiver machinery is needed because there is nothing to waive.
Judging
A finalist interview stage exists, with finalists interviewed in late spring in the previous cycle. Written feedback is not offered as such; the format is individualised one-to-one sessions with writer-director advisors. The 2026 programme director was Radu Jude, who also led 2025, with advisors Maura Delpero, Annemarie Jacir, David Levine and Gonzalo Maza plus special guests. The cohort size was published as ten writer-directors for the 2025 cycle but the number was removed from the page for 2026. No rights, option or exclusivity terms are stated anywhere.
The PreList verdict
The most generous thing in this directory, and it is not close. Eight days at Costa Navarino in Greece with flights, accommodation and meals all paid, no application fee, and nothing to pay at any stage. Four days of one-to-one sessions with working writer-directors, then guests spanning cinematographers, composers, editors, producers and artists from outside film entirely. Radu Jude has led the last two editions, with advisors of the calibre of Maura Delpero and Annemarie Jacir.
The gate is narrow and absolute, so check it before anything else. You must be a writer-director working on your second fiction feature, and your debut must have been both written and directed by you and picture-locked when you apply. If you write but do not direct, this is closed to you no matter how many credits you have. Adaptations are excluded too, since submissions must be your original work.
There is no cash award, and none is needed: the offer is a week of your life paid for in a place designed for the work, alongside people who have made the film you are trying to make next. If you qualify, there is no reason not to apply. The 2027 cycle has not been announced, but both evidenced rounds closed in mid-to-late January at 11:59pm Eastern European Time, with the retreat in early July.
Dylian Salvatore, Founder of The PreList · Updated 9 Aug 2026
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost?
Nothing at any stage. Oxbelly states the programme has no cost to apply and that all expenses for fellows, including flights, accommodation and meals, are covered. Nothing is excluded in the published text.
Can I apply if I write but do not direct?
No. This is open only to writer-directors working on their second fiction feature, and your debut feature must have been both written and directed by you. Oxbelly is explicit that applicants need both credits on the previous film.
Does my debut have to be finished?
It must be picture-locked at the time of application. It does not need to have been released, but an unfinished film will not qualify you.
Can I apply with a co-writer?
Yes, as a duo. Writing partnerships of a maximum of two may enter, and co-writing and co-directing credits as a duo count towards the eligibility requirement.
Is your script right for Oxbelly Screenwriters Program?
Upload your screenplay and The PreList scores how well it fits this lab: genre, format, eligibility and readiness, before you spend anything.
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