Residencia Cine Qua Non is a writing retreat specifically intended for Cine Qua Non alums. The program aims to connect alums across Cine Qua Non generations and give them the opportunity to work intensively on the development of their feature-length narrative scripts in Mexico in an environment structured to foster professional collaboration.

The retreat gives participants the opportunity to experience —or return to— Cine Qua Non facilities in Mexico and develop their scripts in a protected writing atmosphere, with brainstorming support from international peers across Cine Qua Non generations.

All brainstorming sessions will be conducted in Spanish. All application materials need to be in Spanish.

The retreat is held in Tzintzuntzan, a small town in Mexico, approximately 50 km from the city of Morelia. The writing and living spaces are tucked amidst the beauty of the Sierra Madre mountains, overlooking Lake Pátzcuaro, a quiet natural retreat.

The retreat has a duration of 10 days. The 2026 edition will take place:

• From Thursday, January 29, through Monday, February 9, 2026 (Group 1)
• From Thursday, March 12, through Monday, March 23, 2026 (Group 2)

A minimum of 5 participants is required to run each group.

• Only Cine Qua Non alums —of any program— are eligible to apply for the retreat.
• Only narrative feature script projects —at any stage of development— are eligible.
• Co-written projects are eligible. Up to two writers per project will be accepted to the retreat.
• Applicants may apply with a co-writer who is not a Cine Qua Non alum.

The call for applicants is closed. The next call opens in October 2026.

There is no application fee.

Cine Qua Non subsidizes a significant portion of the cost of participation in the retreat through resources of the organization and its members. Thanks to this support, participants pay only a 2,000 USD fee. This fee is due upon acceptance. If a participant needs to cancel attendance more than 20 days before the start date of the retreat, 50 % of the fee will be refunded. Cancellations made less than 20 days before the start date are not eligible for a refund.

In case of co-writing teams, the co-writer pays a 1,000 USD fee for attending the retreat.

Accommodations and meals will be provided throughout the retreat. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses. Participants must submit proof of medical insurance covering the whole period of their stay.

All applications will be read and evaluated by a jury panel comprised of film professionals. Applicants short-listed for consideration in the final round of evaluations may be interviewed by videoconference.

For further information, please address inquiries to admissions@cqnl.org.