02/12/2025 - Mentors Radu Jude and Chigozie Obioma return to lead next year’s workshops for scribes, which will take place in Greece in July

The Oxbelly Retreat has opened applications for its 2026 edition, inviting screenwriters and literary fiction writers from around the world to apply by 14 January. The upcoming retreat will take place from 1-9 July, once again at the Costa Navarino resort in Messinia, Greece.

Founded by Christos V Konstantakopoulos in 2015, the Oxbelly Retreat is an annual event dedicated to fostering creativity, craft development and intercultural dialogue among storytellers. With dedicated tracks for screenwriters and literary fiction writers, the programme provides an immersive environment for learning and collaboration, led by internationally acclaimed figures in each field.

The Screenwriters Programme supports writer-directors developing their second features. The fellows will workshop their scripts through individualised meetings with experienced advisors and participate in sessions on specific aspects of the creative process. The programme promotes a multidisciplinary approach: fellows participate in sessions with creatives from other fields, such as theatre, visual arts and literature, encouraging them to broaden their narrative perspective and explore storytelling across various forms. For 2026, the programme will be led once again by Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude (Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Radu Jude
film profile], Dracula [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Radu Jude
film profile]), who will guide fellows through individualised sessions and interdisciplinary exercises.

The Fiction Writers Programme focuses on ten emerging fictional prose writers, helping them refine their literary voice and contribute to intercultural storytelling. Led by Nigerian author Chigozie Obioma (The Road to the Country), fellows will engage in workshops and craft sessions overseen by faculty staff and guests who are established and acclaimed writers and industry leaders. This will be followed by unstructured time to allow participants to write amidst the scenic Messinian landscape.

Both programmes are complemented by curated evening events, bringing fellows together with advisors and special guests for screenings, readings and cross-disciplinary discussions. Past Oxbelly advisors and guests have included Maren Ade, Paul Thomas Anderson, Willem Dafoe, Barry Jenkins, Charlie Kaufman, Dee Rees, Michael Almereyda, Rebecca Makkai, Bill Clegg, Jane Campion, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Isabella Hammad, Fanny Herrero, Annemarie Jacir, Nick Kroll, Sue Naegle, Fiammetta Rocco, Namwali Serpell, Joerg Winger and Athina Rachel Tsangari, the latter of whom is the longtime artistic director of Oxbelly Screenwriters & Directors Labs. These interactions offer participants unique opportunities to connect with leading professionals across film, literature and other creative fields.

Participation in the retreat is fully funded, with all expenses for selected fellows covered. The 2026 edition is supported by founding partner Faliro House, hospitality partner Costa Navarino and the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation. Additional support comes from Anonymous; Grace Lay, of LinLay Productions; Greg Beauchamp, of Bindery Films; Ann Lewnes; and Funa Maduka, of palmtrees.

The retreat takes its name from the nearby Voidokilia Beach, referenced in Homer’s Odyssey as the birthplace of Western hospitality. Beyond the annual gathering, Oxbelly operates year-round to support Greek storytellers and strengthen the country’s creative economy. Recent expansions include the Oxbelly Ambassadors programme, which seeks to devise cross-border film-financing pathways.

Applications for the 2026 Oxbelly Retreat are open until 14 January. Interested writers can find more information and submit their applications here; the application process is free of charge.