ScriptLab CA
IMPORTANT UPDATE — SCRIPTLAB CA 2026
Unfortunately, ScriptLab CA will not take place in 2026. This year, we were unable to secure the necessary funding to run the program at the level and in the format we believe it deserves.
ScriptLab CA remains an important part of our vision, and we hope to bring the program back in the future. Thank you to everyone who has been following and supporting the Lab.
The Script LAB CA is a program dedicated to showcase the untold stories, unique perspectives, and new talents of Central Asia. Emerging filmmakers will develop their craft, collaborate with peers from the region, and learn from world acclaimed industry experts.
This is a great opportunity for young screenwriters and film directors to develop their projects in a great team at the foothills of Alatau mountains .
We want to discover fresh stories from 9 emerging authors and elevate them to scripts, ready for production and sale on international film markets. This process will be guided by experienced mentors.
Establish a sustainable and dynamic network of filmmakers and creative industry professionals in Central Asia.
Enhance the skills and competencies of authors and screenwriters.
Application Process:
The application is open to young filmmakers from Central Asia who have directed one or more short films or even their debut feature film, and are currently developing their first or second feature film project.
9 projects will be chosen, and 9 participants will be granted the opportunity to attend the residency free of charge.
3 Acclaimed mentors will share their experience and work with selected projects.
To register a project it is mandatory to fill in the online registration form and upload the following documents :
a 10 pages minimum treatment of your feature film project in progress at the moment of application
synopsis
intention note (artistic vision, and choice of the story statement)
resume (biography and filmography)
your previous film (short or first feature) or a link for the viewing of your previous work.
ScriptLab CA 2025
In September 2025, the second edition of ScriptLab CA took place in Kyrgyzstan, bringing together emerging screenwriters from across Central Asia. Selected through a competitive process, the projects reflected a wide range of themes and cinematic approaches, exploring family relationships, coming-of-age stories, social realities, memory, identity, and personal transformation.
Over the course of a week, participants worked intensively on developing their screenplays in an environment designed to encourage creativity, reflection, and meaningful dialogue.
Organised by independent Central Asian producers Evgeniya Moreva, Altynai Koichumanova, and Yuliya Kim, ScriptLab CA is a screenwriting residency dedicated to nurturing new voices and developing original film projects from across Central Asia.
Program Structure
The residency combined one-on-one mentoring sessions, group discussions, and collective workshops. Each mentor met individually with every project, providing detailed feedback and guidance tailored to the specific needs of the screenplay.
Alongside the individual consultations, mentors led group sessions where they shared their own approaches to script development, character building, story structure, thematic depth, and the search for a unique authorial voice.
The residency also fostered peer-to-peer exchange, creating a collaborative atmosphere in which participants could discuss challenges, share experiences, and build lasting professional connections.
ScriptLAB CA 2024:
ScriptLab CA Screenwriting Residency: How It Went
In 2024, we held the very first ScriptLab CA screenwriting residency, created to support emerging writers from Central Asia. It was a unique week-long program that brought together 10 participants selected through an open call, based on the strength and originality of their scripts.
The residency took place in a quiet, nature-filled location — far from the noise of the city — allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in the creative process, deep reflection, and meaningful exchange.
What the week included:
•Masterclasses and script development exercises with acclaimed international mentors;
•One-on-one sessions with experts from across the film industry;
•Group script discussions and peer feedback sessions;
•Film screenings and thoughtful conversations on structure, tone, and storytelling;
•An atmosphere of nature, fresh air, yoga, hiking, and good rest — all of which supported inner focus and creative clarity.
Mentors:
•Michel Reilhac – immersive storytelling expert and producer of Lars von Trier, shared his approach to creating interactive cinematic experiences;
•Oh Jung-mi – writer of Burning and Heartbeat, spoke about collaboration and narrative intimacy;
•Ruth Atkinson – script consultant and story editor with over 25 years of experience in Los Angeles, led a session on the power of theme in storytelling;
•Min Bahadur Bham – award-winning director and screenwriter from Nepal, shared the bridge between scriptwriting and directing;
•Katya Khazak – independent producer, presented a case study of the film City of Winds and the process of co-production development.
Сценарная резиденция ScriptLab CA: как это было
В 2024 году прошла первая сценарная резиденция ScriptLab CA, созданная для поддержки молодых авторов из Центральной Азии. В течение недели мы собрали 10 участников, прошедших конкурсный отбор на основе силы и оригинальности их сценариев.
Резиденция проходила на природе, вдали от городской суеты — в пространстве, где можно было сосредоточиться, дышать глубже и писать свободно. Это стало важным временем для внутреннего роста, переосмысления и профессионального обмена.
Что происходило:
•Мастер-классы и практики от признанных международных менторов;
•Индивидуальные консультации с экспертами мировой киноиндустрии;
•Групповые сценарные сессии и живой обмен между участниками;
•Просмотры и обсуждения фильмов с акцентом на драматургию и структуру;
•И, конечно, свежий воздух, йога, хайкинг и здоровый сон — для равновесия и ясности мысли.
Менторы программы:
•Мишель Реильяк — архитектор иммерсивных историй, продюсер Ларса фон Триера, рассказал об интерактивных форматах кино;
•О Чжон Ми — сценаристка фильмов «Пылающий» и «Сердцебиение», поделилась опытом совместного творчества и построения повествования;
•Рут Аткинсон — редактор сценариев из Лос-Анджелеса с 25-летним опытом, провела мастер-класс о силе темы в сценарии;
•Мин Бахадур Бхам — режиссёр и сценарист из Непала, обсудил путь от текста к режиссуре;
•Катя Хазак — независимая продюсерка, разобрала кейс-фильм «Город ветров» и процесс международной копродукции.
What the participants gained:
The residency gave our participants access to advanced storytelling tools and meaningful engagement with the international film community.
Mentors praised the high level of talent, and several described ScriptLab CA as one of the best residencies they had ever taken part in.
By the end of the program:
•10 powerful screenplays were developed by emerging Central Asian voices;
•A new filmmaker community was formed, with international links and future collaborations;
•Writers received insight into project development and global film markets;
But above all, ScriptLab CA became a space of trust, care, and genuine friendship.
We believe that building a healthy, inclusive film industry begins with creating trust-based relationships and strong communities. That spirit was present in every conversation, every shared meal, and every moment of the residency.
We are deeply grateful to all participants, mentors, and partners for their openness, talent, and generosity.
Что дали эти дни:
Участники не только расширили свои сценарные навыки, но и получили живой контакт с профессиональным международным сообществом.
Менторы высоко оценили уровень авторов, а некоторые из них отметили, что ScriptLab CA — одна из лучших резиденций, в которых им довелось участвовать.
По итогам:
•Было разработано 10 сильных сценариев от авторов Центральной Азии;
•Сформировалось новое комьюнити кинематографистов, открытое к сотрудничеству;
•Участники получили ключевые знания для девелопмента и выхода на международный рынок;
Но, пожалуй, главное — ScriptLab CA стал пространством доверия, заботы и настоящей дружбы.
Мы верим, что здоровая киноиндустрия начинается с человеческих отношений — с умения слушать, поддерживать и быть рядом. Именно это мы строим через каждую нашу инициативу.
Спасибо всем участникам, менторам и партнёрам за открытость, силу и вдохновение.
