The Film Finishing Retreat

for emerging filmmakers | Fall 2026
Upcoming Retreat
The Film Finishing Retreat
$500.00

The Film Finishing Retreat, led by Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Resita Heavenly Cox, is a prestigious 3-day film completion fellowship held in Asheboro, NC. This intensive retreat is specifically designed to guide filmmakers through the crucial final stages of their projects. Participants will benefit from rigorous feedback sessions with industry experts and receive personalized one-on-one story and career development coaching directly from Resita. Upon completion, filmmakers will be equipped with robust, immediately actionable strategies for film festival submissions, impact campaigns, and distribution.

Only

10

Spots

The Details

Eligibility:

  1. Confirmation of successful receipt of the complete application materials by September 01, 2026 [Please note that while the submission process is open to members of the Indie Film School community, your application for the finishing retreat remains subject to approval]

  2. Successful prior completion of the Impact and Indie Film incubator or one of RC’s Duke courses before the retreat commencement date

  3. The applicant must have a film either in post-production or prepared for impact strategy implementation by the retreat date

  4. Mandatory availability for the entire duration of the fall retreat

  5. Financial responsibility for travel, lodging, and food expenses, excluding the meals included during the retreat, is required

Application Process:

  1. Schedule an Information Session [15 minutes] by emailing sonna@resitacox.com. Please use "Info Session on Finishing Retreat" as the subject line.

  2. Submit all required application materials by September 1, 2026. These materials must include:

    Cover Letter

    Film Values Statement

    Documentary Core Application 3.2

    Visual Sample (up to 30 minutes in length)

    Two (2) Peer References

    Completed application with responses to additional questions

    Potential Dates, pending availability of the selected cohort:

    OPTION 1: December 11 - 13, 2026

    OPTION 2: December 31 - January 2, 2027 [bring in the new year completing your projects]

    OPTION 3: January 8 - 10, 2027

  3. Successful applications will proceed to the Panel Review stage, where a panel of industry professionals will select up to 10 candidates for the 2026 Fall Finishing Retreat.

    Those applicants who advance to the panel review may be requested to participate in an interview with our panelists and will be formally notified by October 1, 2026.

    Final decisions and invitations to successful applicants are scheduled to be issued by October 20, 2026.

  4. Full payment is required to formally secure your reserved position.

The Film Finishing Retreat, led by Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Resita Heavenly Cox, is a prestigious 3-day film completion fellowship held in Asheboro, NC at the remarkable Post Card Cabins Campsite.

This intensive retreat is specifically designed to guide filmmakers through the crucial final stages of their projects. Participants will benefit from rigorous feedback sessions with industry experts and receive personalized one-on-one story and career development coaching directly from Resita.

Upon completion, filmmakers will be equipped with robust, immediately actionable strategies for film festival submissions, impact campaigns, and distribution.

SAMPLE AGENDA:

FRIDAY - Arrive on campgrounds for group check-in - 2:00 PM 

4 PM - Check in to cabins

5 PM - Group Session

6 PM - Group Dinner

7:30 PM - Group Session 

SATURDAY 

7 AM - Sunrise Yoga

8 AM - Group Breakfast 

9 AM - Group Session

11 AM - Industry Editor One on Ones

1 PM - Individual Lunch

3 PM - Group Session

5 PM - Solo Editing Time 

SUNDAY 

7 AM - Sunrise Yoga

8 AM - Group Breakfast 

9 AM - Group Session

11 AM - Check out of cabins

11:15 AM - Group Session

1 PM - Wrap and Depart

Fee Overview:

Participation in the Film Finishing Retreat is estimated at a total $1,550, based on personal, situational differences. The only fixed fees are lodging and participation fees. Payment plans and financial support is available upon request. You are required to remit full payment upon acceptance into the program.

Lodging: $500

Travel: up to $350

Food: up to $200 [some group meals are included in your participation fee]

Participation and admin fees: $500