“The Abbey Screenwriters Retreat is a sanctuary for authors seeking creative breakthrough and mentorship.”
Travel dates: Aug 25, 2026 – Sep 1, 2026
Destination: Serramonacesca, Pescara, Italy
- 5 day retreat in a traditional village residency with all comforts;
- Focus on project coaching, technical writing panels, pitching tables and feedback sessions with three international mentors: Alessandra Arcieri, Elisabetta Abbondanza and Filippo D’Antoni
- Meetings with the locals, knowledge sharing about traditions and stories
- Storytelling in medieval and rural environment
- Extra time for exploration
- Extra time for yoga and mindfulness
Highlights
FOCUS ON YOUR PROJECT WITH INTERNATIONAL MENTORS
INSPIRING MEDIEVAL AND
RURAL SURROUNDINGS
ACCOMODATION IN RESTORED VILLAGE HOUSES
AND TRADITIONAL FOOD
Early-bird offer: 490 €
valid for subscription until 30th of June
| Special double-room discount |
|
| To be paid by | 5th July 2026 |
Regular price: 690 €
valid for subscription until 30th of July
| Special double-room discount |
|
| To be paid by | 5th August 2026 |
All travel expenses are excluded. Pick-up extra from/to airport: 50 €
The mentors
Our mentors will guide you throughout the screenwriters retreat
Director screenwriter and narrative coach, cross-media storytelling pioneer, yoga teacher
Director screenwriter and narrative coach, cross-media storytelling pioneer, yoga teacherDirector screenwriter and narrative coach, cross-media storytelling pioneer, yoga teacher
Director screenwriter and narrative coach, cross-media storytelling pioneer, yoga teacher
Director screenwriter and narrative coach, cross-media storytelling pioneer, yoga teacherDirector screenwriter and narrative coach, cross-media storytelling pioneer, yoga teacher
Director screenwriter and narrative coach, cross-media storytelling pioneer, yoga teacher
Media creative and executive, script doctor, narrative coach, movie reviewer
Filippo D’Antoni is a producer, filmmaker, scriptwriter and media creative with over two decades of experience in the film industry. After working as a production manager on major international features, he graduated from the New York Film Academy and directed several short films. He wrote a documentary for the Italian broadcaster RaiTre and “Men of Three Letters”, a screenplay awarded the Solinas Prize in 2004 and acknowledged as of national cultural interest by the Italian Ministry of Culture. A graduate of several international screenwriters retreats and training programs, including the Berlinale Talent Campus, he currently serves as a selector for international film festivals, as film reviewer for online magazines and leads specialized workshops in audiovisual storytelling and script development.
Author, published poet and creative writing coach,
Gestalt-therapist, dancer
Author, published poet and creative writing coach,
Gestalt-therapist, dancer Author, published poet and creative writing coach,
Gestalt-therapist, dancerAuthor, published poet and creative writing coach,
Gestalt-therapist, dancerAuthor, published poet and creative writing coach,
Gestalt-therapist, dancerAuthor, published poet and creative writing coach,
Gestalt-therapist, dancerAuthor, published poet and creative writing coach,
Gestalt-therapist, dancerAuthor, published poet and creative writing coach,
Gestalt-therapist, dancer
About the place
Nestled in the emerald Abruzzo foothills, Serramonacesca is defined by the majestic Abbey of San Liberatore a Maiella, traditionally linked to Charlemagne. The 9th century edifice was rebuilt a first time from 1007 by the Benedictine monk St. Theobald. all around vertical cliffs rising like natural cathedrals.
The village preserves a deep-rooted history through its narrow stone paths, where the scents of wild plants blend with the ancient silence of hermitages and ruined fortresses. Olive trees all around the houses witness centuries of amazing stories to tell.
This location weaves together the beauty of the Majella mountain with a legacy of divine seeking and patient cultivation, offering a serene glimpse into a world carved from limestone, dedication and prayer.
Serramonacesca: The ideal setting for your next screenwriters retreat.
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
— Anton Chekhov
“Environment is not just a backdrop; it is an active force that shapes the character’s behavior.”
— Anton Chekhov
“To make a great film you need three things: the script, the script and the script.”
— Alfred Hitchcock
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
— Anton Chekhov
screenwriters retreat