For twelve years, Pustnik Screenwriters Residency has been dedicated to helping emerging filmmakers from around the world develop their debut films. In 2026, Pustnik extends its call for applications to second features, including those of previous residency participants, who are encouraged to apply with their new work. Eight international projects will be selected at the beginning of July by Pustnik co-founders, writer-directors Andreea Borțun („A River’s Gaze”, 2026) and Bryn Chainey („Rabbit Trap”, 2025), for this year’s edition.
In addition to dedicated writing time, participants will have the opportunity to meet with narrative consultants, established professionals who can provide feedback on their projects. The program also includes shared working sessions and screenings of the participants’ own films, bringing residents and guests together and nurturing a generous spirit of support.
As part of Pustnik’s interdisciplinary approach to storytelling, participants will also work on their screenplays with a psychotherapist and an anthropologist. By reflecting on human behavior, cultural contexts, and the social dynamics that shape individual experiences, these sessions will focus on the practical development of their work. Writers will be supported in exploring the psychological motivations of their characters and the social and cultural contexts of their stories, while provided with the space to test narrative choices, deepen the emotional and thematic coherence of their projects, and approach character development with greater nuance and curiosity.
“We’ve decided to open our call to filmmakers developing their sophomore films alongside debut writers and directors because we believe growth in cinema happens when experiences meet, when doubt, struggles and discovery share the same space. Welcoming back previous residents now working on their second features and inviting filmmakers, psychologists, anthropologists and other thinkers to join as narrative consultants, allows us to explore stories from new angles. We're interested in how alternative narratives emerge from this exchange — how different lenses, disciplines, and generations can shape more honest, layered and daring cinema. Pustnik has always believed in a circle based nurture process. I think cross-pollination is essential for any artistic work, now maybe more than ever,” declared Pustnik co-founder Andreea Borțun.
Since Pustnik is a residency hosted by screenwriters for screenwriters, there are no application or participation fees. The residents solely need to cover their international transport, with all the costs related to travel within Romania, food and accommodation being covered by the residency organisers. Applicants must be writers-directors with a previous experience of maximum one feature film already produced. Applicants are also required to have a previous screenwriting credit on a short fiction film that was selected at an internationally renowned festival – a list of the eligible festivals can be found on the Pustnik website, here. An advanced level of English is required as well, as all working sessions and activities will be held in English.
More details about the residency and the application process are available on the Pustnik website: www.pustnik.com.
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About Pustnik
Pustnik is a programme created in 2014. Its aim has always been to focus on the writer’s needs. Good cinema needs time and intimacy to develop, and this has always taken centre stage in whatever happens at Pustnik. Our aim is to create an environment that encourages and emboldens upcoming writers whose work we admire, away from the pressure of the industry.
Pustnik is organized by T.E.T.A Association
TETA is an NGO founded in June 2006 with the purpose of developing cultural activities and alternative education to stimulate cultural revival within overlooked communities. TETA also produces films and theatre performances.
Partners: European Short Pitch, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale" – UNATC Bucharest
Media partners: Film New Europe, Films in Frame
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