Camp 4Science

What is Camp 4Science

The mission of this training and networking workshop is to encourage the creation of new science documentary projects, support the professional growth of science-focused filmmakers, and help their works advance to the next stage of development. It also aims to build lasting connections within the international documentary industry.

The workshop is open to feature-length science documentary films and supports the development phase (from concept and visual style to production, financing, and distribution strategies) of a wide range of projects all under the guidance of experienced international mentors. Each year, Camp 4Science nurtures projects that span the entire spectrum: from films presenting the latest scientific discoveries to broad audiences, to highly artistic works inspired by scientific ideas — and everything in between.

Camp 4Science has been organized by the festival AFO since 2013. It provides a platform for connecting audiovisual creators with leading scientists and academics from the Czech Republic and abroad, fostering more effective communication of scientific research.

By taking place alongside the AFO festival, the workshop benefits from the attention of the international audiovisual science film community and top science experts. The six-day program culminates in a public pitching session at the festival, where filmmakers have the opportunity to showcase their work to international decision-makers, TV and festival representatives, producers, and distributors.

Who can apply

The workshop is designed for producers and directors developing feature-length science film projects. We welcome participants with experience in documentary filmmaking who are eager to explore new perspectives on science. We also encourage applicants with a scientific background or experience in science communication who wish to learn how to present their research to the public through documentary film.

We support a wide range of projects encompassing diverse scientific topics. We are open to projects such as scientists’ biographies, historical topics from a scientific perspective, or any creative approaches to science topics, covering any area of human knowledge and research — from philosophy to life sciences.

Applications are accepted for feature-length projects. Eight projects will be selected for active participation in the workshop. Knowledge of English and the ability to present your project in English are required.

Pitching Awards

Sandbox Award for Best Pitch

In 2023, we began a collaboration with Sandbox Films, establishing the Sandbox Award for the best pitch presented at the conference, accompanied by a financial prize of USD 25,000. Sandbox Films is an Emmy-winning, Academy Award–nominated production company specializing in creative and groundbreaking documentaries inspired by scientific ideas, with the potential to enrich society and culture.

Thanks to this generous support, the workshop organizers were able to award the following projects with the Sandbox Award for Best Pitch (financial prizes):

  • A Certain Civilization – 25,000 USD
  • Ghost Dads – 10,000 USD
  • Carbon Permanence – 10,000 USD
  • Valley of the Night – 25,000 USD
  • The Opposite Direction – 10,000 USD
  • What You Remember – 10,000 USD 
  • Snow Globe – 10,000 USD 
  • Yet the Faces – 10,000 USD 
  • The Archipelago – 25,000 USD 

Mentors AFO61

Important Dates

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 January 2026
LIST OF SELECTED PROJECTS PUBLISHED: March 2026
WORKSHOP DATES: 27 April –  2 May 2026

Program

Group Work

The initial joint meeting of participants and mentors offers a space for mutual feedback and sharing of experiences. Participants and mentors gradually discuss the basic aspects of their projects, their intentions, and also their progress so far.

Masterclass of mentors and experts

Mentors focus on introducing their areas of expertise in case studies of their own practice. With regard to the selected projects, the topics of authorship in popular science film, narrative and visual style, funding opportunities, local and international co-productions, honing skills in presenting to an audience, networking or innovations in marketing and promotional practices are highlighted.

One-on-one meetings

Each participant will meet with up to 8 mentors and consultants. Mentors are dedicated to the projects throughout the workshop, working with the participants to find solutions to the main problems in the development process and offering comprehensive and expert guidance from the dramaturgical conception to the production and distribution phase. International consultants and other festival guests help the projects with other parts of the development such as research work, script writing, conducting interviews, and working with the protagonists.

ACCOMPANYING LECTURES AND OTHER FESTIVAL PROGRAM

The program also offers a series of accompanying lectures that develop the themes of environmental and sustainable filmmaking or present additional case studies of works by former project participants. Participants also take part in the festival’s public program, attending screenings of selected films and having the opportunity to discuss with the filmmakers.

NETWORKING

Networking meetings and a rich supporting program at a number of attractive venues facilitate future cooperation with world leaders in the popular science film industry and science.

Final presentations (pitching)

The public pitching of projects is the highlight of Camp4Science. In the unique venue of the Baroque Chapel, the participants will present the projects they have worked on to a professional audience, producers, distributors, representatives of scientific institutions, and the festival audience. The presentations are followed by individual meetings with selected guests, who discuss the individual comments in more detail with the participants.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Ivana Formanová
Head of Camp 4Science
formanova@afo.cz

Dominik Vontor
Coordinator of Camp 4Science
vontor@afo.cz

Agáta Hrnčířová
Coordinator of Camp 4Science
camp@afo.cz