OPEN CALL 2026
Following two successful editions, CIRCLE is proud to launch the third edition of CIRCLE Fiction Orbit — its tailor-made programme for women and gender-expansive filmmakers in the fiction film industry.
We are currently seeking up to 6 strong fiction feature film projects in development, led by women and gender-expansive directors, writers, or producers working on their second, third, or fourth feature film.
ABOUT
CIRCLE Fiction Orbit is a one-off retreat for mid-career teams developing second to fourth narrative features, concentrating on development, production strategies, and collaboration within existing film power structures.
Taking place in a historic building turned beautiful hotel by the sea in Montenegro, the programme brings together a carefully selected group of filmmakers to work closely with leading international experts over one intensive week. We put great care into providing the most comfortable conditions for creative work — grounded in solidarity, knowledge exchange, and a hands-on, collaborative approach.
Participants will receive:
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In-depth script consultations
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Guidance on legal and production strategies
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Mentorship on career development and film positioning
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Psychological support throughout the creative process
Head of Studies: Bianca Oana
Award-winning producer and screenwriter, Bianca leads the Fiction Orbit programme with a focus on artistic vulnerability, collaboration, and long-term creative sustainability.
Bianca Oana is a Romanian producer and screenwriter, and the founder of Monogram Film. Since 2009, she has been developing, producing, and promoting multi-awarded art-house films, with credits including Collective (2019) and Touch Me Not (2018, Golden Bear, Berlinale), and Anhell69 (2022). In 2021, she and director Alexander Nanau became the first Romanian-born Academy Award nominees in decades, with Collective nominated for both Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature Film.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
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Identify as a woman or gender-expansive filmmaker
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Be a screenwriter, director, or producer
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Have completed at least one feature film
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Submit a project with a producer already attached
Directors may apply individually or with a producer or screenwriter.
Participation Fee & Scholarships
The participation fee is €2,000 per person, covering accommodation, meals, and mentorship. Travel expenses are not covered, though we assist with local airport transfers and can provide official documents for funding bodies.
Scholarship opportunities: We offer at least one scholarship per year — a 50% discount on the participation fee — for participants from LCC A or B countries, those without national funding, or with proven financial need. Priority is given to those with the least access to funding. We also connect participants with organisations and film centres that support filmmaker fundraising.
Scholarships can be requested during the application process.
Key Information
Programme dates
25 October – 1 November 2026
Application deadline
10 July 2026, 4pm CEST
The call is closed for the 2026 cycle
Location
Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Nearby airports: Dubrovnik (30km), Tivat (21km), Podgorica (150km)
