Organizer Information:

Arci Cassandra is an Italian cultural association organizing this residency as part of Storie Meridiane, a broader regeneration project funded by the EU (NextGenerationEU) and the Italian Ministry of Culture. The project aims to revitalize the socio-cultural context of the Capo di Leuca area through artistic research and community engagement.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the Sponde Artistic Residency.

This program invites 7 young filmmakers to Morciano di Leuca, a small village in the southeast of Italy, to develop audiovisual works under the guidance of Ljubomir Stefanov, the two-time Oscar-nominated director of Honeyland.

The residency explores the concept of "sponda" (shore/threshold)—the edge where land and sea meet and where different worlds find contact. Participants will engage in personal and collective research, exploring the territory’s landscape, which is currently undergoing significant changes due to environmental challenges (Xylella fastidiosa) and migration flows. The program focuses on peer-to-peer exchange and field research, culminating in the creation of a new audiovisual work (of any genre) to be completed within two months after the residency.

Category:

Filmmaking / Audiovisual Arts.

Eligibility:

  • Age: Filmmakers aged 18–35.

  • Geography: Residents of countries in the Mediterranean area (including Albania, Algeria, Bosnia, Cyprus, Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, etc.).

  • Requirements: Must have completed at least one audiovisual work and must provide their own filming equipment.

  • Language: Proficiency in English is recommended.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Mentorship: Training program with Ljubomir Stefanov and industry professionals.

  • Accommodation & Meals: Full room and board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are provided for the duration of the stay.

  • Support: Guided visits, field research activities, and translation support.

  • Cost: Participation is free of charge.

Application Fee:

Free.

Program Costs:

Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses and production costs. (Note: The organization reserves the right to provide a travel scholarship to one participant at its discretion).

Application Requirements:

  • Form: Completed application form (downloadable from the website).

  • Motivation Letter: Written in Italian or English.

  • Submission: Send materials via email to sponde@arcicassandra.it with the subject line "SPONDE RESIDENCY_SUBMISSION_NAME_SURNAME".

How to Apply?

Download the full call and application form from the official website and submit via email.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: February 28, 2026.

  • Residency Dates: March 21 – April 1, 2026.

Location:

Morciano di Leuca, Italy.

Contact Information:

Email: sponde@arcicassandra.it