In 2005 the Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) launched Rawi (Storyteller), a screenplay development lab. For its first 11 years, the lab was run in collaboration with the Sundance Institute and is modeled on the Institute’s renowned Screenwriters Lab. Independent Arab screenwriters (Fellows) are offered the chance to develop their work in a uniquely creative environment under the guidance of internationally acclaimed screenwriters from all over the world (Creative Advisors).
Over the past fourteen years, Rawi supported 105 emerging screenwriters. Completed projects by Rawi’s alumni include: Pomegranates and Myrrh by Najwa Najjar, Amreeka by Cherien Dabis, Son of Babylon by Mohamed Al Daradji, The Fifth String by Selma Bargach, My Brother The Devil by Sally El Hosaini, Detroit Unleaded by Rola Nashef, Wadjda by Haifaa Al-Mansour, I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Khadija Al-Salami, 3000 Nights by Mai Masri, Until The End of Time by Yasmine Chouikh and Tramontane by Vatche Boulghourijian.
Learn about other participants by visiting the complete list of Rawi Mentors & Participants.
Each year, fellows and advisors work intensively for five days on their feature narrative screenplays. Each fellow will have several one-on-one story sessions with the lab’s creative advisors. The advisors’ guidance ranges from improving the fellow’s technique as a screenwriter, to life lessons and practical suggestions to be explored in their next draft. Emphasis is placed on each fellow’s individual voice and story.
An advisory committee of writers, established film critics, screenplay editors, script doctors, scholars and film professionals work with the Rawi Screenwriters’ Lab team throughout the selection process. They are referred to as “Reading Consultants”. The primary short listing is based on script merits: story, originality, characters, dialogue, structure, writing style, individual voices, the status of the screenplay and its suitability to benefit from the Lab. Where applicable, we look very closely at the directing work of the writer.
Important information:
The 15th round of Rawi Screenwriters Lab will take place between September 1st and September 7th 2019.
Deadline for submissions is: April 14th, 2019.
The 15th round of Rawi Screenwriters Lab will take place between September 1st and September 7th 2019.
Deadline for submissions is: April 14th, 2019.
Eligibility:
- Rawi Screenwriters Lab is open for screenwriters, co-writers, or writers/directors.
- Screenwriters working on their first or second narrative feature screenplay can apply.
- Applicants must submit a complete narrative feature screenplay. (meaning the script needs to be in the range of 90-120 pages to qualify unless there is a proper justification for having more or less pages)
- Only Arab screenwriters/filmmakers are eligible to apply, regardless of their country of residence.
To Apply:
To participate, please submit a complete filled out online application form.
For more information about the application please contact us at:
rawi@film.jo
