Paestum, Italy
HerArts Film Lab
Empowering Women's Voices in Cinema
The call for submissions for the Spring 2026 edition is now closedThank you!
EVENT DATES
Monday, April 20 - Sunday, April 26, 2026
EVENT DATES
Monday, April 20 - Sunday, April 26, 2026
About the Lab
Believing in the importance of women’s presence in cinema, their stories and their active participation in the creation of the film industry, we have designed a workshop to support and empower their voices. HerArts Lab is meant to serve as a platform for exchanging thoughts, stories and ideas, nurturing female talent and giving it exposure to the international film community.
Event Address
Time
- What is HerArts Film Lab?
- Who is it for?
- What do we offer?
- How is the Lab Structured?
- When and where does it take place?
HerArts Film Lab is a week-long residential development workshop, set in Paestum, Italy, focused on content created by women and non-binary filmmakers.
The workshop is addressed to female and non-binary writer-directors from all over the world interested in developing their feature film and TV series projects in a friendly and supportive environment under the guidance of experienced mentors.
The working language of the workshop in English.
The Lab is addressed to women and non-binary screenwriters and writer-directors working on a fiction feature film or TV series.
Applicants should have a proven track record, i.e. short films, documentaries or features that traveled to international film festivals or that have been distributed in theatres or online. There are no restrictions on genre or subject matter.
Since English is the working language of the lab, good knowledge of written and spoken English is required.
- The opportunity to work intensively on your story idea and treatment with the support and mentorship of established professionals during group and one-on-ones sessions;
- An intensive, immersive, communal experience of working in a supportive circle of like-minded female creatives from around the world;
- Dedicated writing time;
- Online follow-up session 2 months after the end of the residential Lab;
- Participation in additional activities: film screenings, case studies and discussions on cinema and storytelling;
- Being part of a larger international HerArts film community;
- Pleasures of Southern Italy, including delicious food, beautiful scenery and history.
The Lab is project-based, which means that during the week we focus on helping participants in developing scripts & treatments of their feature films or TV series pilots. Each edition we invite 8-10 projects from around the world. The participants work in groups, have one-to-one meetings with mentors and time for individual writing.
Since group discussions are an important part of the Lab, participants must be prepared to read other writers' scripts ahead of the Lab and share feedback on their work.
In the evenings, there are additional activities such as screenings, talks and discussions.
Each day is structured around meals which are a great opportunity to continue conversations started earlier in the day, and to enjoy the fantastic food and drink of Casa Seliano.
Optional activities such as a visit to Paestum Archeological Park or the beach are also possible.
The ninth edition of HerArts Film Lab will take place between April 20-26, 2026 (arrival on April 19, departure on April 27).
The Lab is set in the 18th century estate of Azienda Seliano in Paestum, in the beautiful Italian region of Campania, around 80 km south of Naples. The nearest airports are: Salerno-Amalfi Coast and Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli Capodichino).
SPRING 2026 MENTORS:
Inga Pelosi Leighton
is a British Italian scriptwriting coach, scriptwriter, author and educator.
Inga Pelosi Leighton is a British Italian scriptwriting coach, scriptwriter, author and educator with a deep, lived knowledge of visual storytelling, independent filmmaking, theatre, literature, and the arts across Europe.
Helena Medina
Writer and script consultant.
EMMY-nominated HELENA MEDINA (UK) started her career as a screenwriter at NBC in New York. Since then, she has created and written numerous series and miniseries that have won international awards and nominations.
Inga Pelosi Leighton
is a British Italian scriptwriting coach, scriptwriter, author and educator.
Inga Pelosi Leighton is a British Italian scriptwriting coach, scriptwriter, author and educator with a deep, lived knowledge of visual storytelling, independent filmmaking, theatre, literature, and the arts across Europe.
Helena Medina
Writer and script consultant.
EMMY-nominated HELENA MEDINA (UK) started her career as a screenwriter at NBC in New York. Since then, she has created and written numerous series and miniseries that have won international awards and nominations.
Pricing
Participation Fee
EARLY BIRD FEE FOR APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
BEFORE OR ON FEBRUARY 5, 23:59 CET IS € 2190.
REGULAR FEE IS € 2450.
- The fee covers:
- - 7 days of training, talks, meetings & consultations with our mentors;
- - accommodation for 8 nights in a single room with ensuite bathroom;
- - delicious breakfast, lunch AND dinner throughout your stay;
- - transfer between Salerno and Paestum;
- - online follow-up 2/3 months after the Lab.
- *Please note travel expenses are not included.
- **We encourage participants to apply for financial support with their national or regional funding bodies. Our participants have been awarded financial aid by the British Council, Screen Ireland, Swiss Films and the Polish Film Institute, among others.
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