The Oxbelly Retreat has opened applications for its 2025 edition, inviting screenwriters and literary fiction writers from around the world to apply by 22 January. This year’s retreat will take place from 28 June-6 July at the Costa Navarino coastal resort in Messenia, Greece.

The Oxbelly Retreat, established by Christos V Konstantakopoulos, is an annual event dedicated to fostering creativity, craft development and intercultural dialogue among storytellers. With tracks designed for screenwriters and literary fiction writers, the programme offers an immersive experience led by key figures in their respective fields.

The Screenwriters Programme is tailored for ten writer-directors developing their second features. Participants will engage in personalised script workshops with seasoned advisors and partake in sessions aimed at enhancing their cinematic voices. For 2025, the programme will be led by acclaimed Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude (Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World [+leggi anche:
recensione
trailer
intervista: Radu Jude
scheda film]).

The Fiction Writers Programme focuses on ten emerging prose writers who are committed to refining their literary voices and contributing to intercultural storytelling. This track, led by Nigerian author Chigozie Obioma (The Road to the Country), includes workshops, craft sessions, and unstructured writing time in the tranquil Messenian landscape.

Both programmes are enriched by curated evening events where fellows, advisors and special guests come together for screenings, readings and interdisciplinary discussions. The Oxbelly Retreat has hosted an impressive roster of past advisors and guests, including Maren Ade, Paul Thomas Anderson, Willem Dafoe, Barry Jenkins, Lulu Wang, Mati Diop, Charlie Kaufman, Dee Rees, Michael Almereyda, Rebecca Makkai, Bill Clegg and Athina Rachel Tsangari, the long-time artistic director of the Sundance Screenwriters and Directors Labs, among others. These sessions are designed to connect fellows with top-tier professionals from the worlds of film, literature and beyond.

The retreat is free for all selected fellows, with expenses fully covered. The 2025 edition is supported by founding partner Faliro House, hotel partner Costa Navarino and the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation. Additional backing has been provided by Grace Lay, of Linlay Production; Greg Beauchamp, of Bindery Films; and Wendy Ettinger.

Oxbelly derives its name from the nearby Voidokoilia Beach, a site featured in Homer’s Odyssey as the birthplace of Western hospitality. Besides the retreat, the non-profit organisation works year-round to support Greek storytellers and contribute to the growth of the country’s film industry. Applications for the 2025 Oxbelly Retreat are open until 22 January. Interested writers can find more information and submit their applications here.