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.

The workshop, organized by the AFO festival since 2013, offers a unique opportunity to connect audiovisual creators with science communicators, including leading scientists and academics from both the Czech Republic and around the world. In doing so, it contributes to more effective communication of scientific knowledge and research achievements.

The program is now expanding into a two-residency format, enabling deeper and more continuous project development. It consists of a fall residency focused on the creative development of projects, and a spring residency traditionally held within the AFO festival, where the focus shifts to project presentation and positioning within an international context.

As the spring residency takes place alongside the AFO festival, participants gain direct access to the international science film industry as well as leading experts from the scientific community. The program culminates in public presentations (pitching) of projects from around the world at the AFO festival. During these sessions, selected teams have the opportunity to present their projects to international decision-makers, representatives of TV broadcasters, festivals, 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 Best Pitch Award

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 25,000 USD. 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 Best Pitch Award (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 

CPH:DOX Industry Prize

The CPH:DOX Industry prize will be awarded to one of the Camp 4Science pitch projects and consist of two complementary accreditations to the festival. Depending on the winning team, they will either receive CPH:FORUM accreditations or INTRO:DOX accreditations which in addition to the Forum includes a two-day curated programme for emerging filmmakers working on their first or second non-fiction feature. 

Important Dates

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 22 July 2026
LIST OF SELECTED PROJECTS PUBLISHED: End of July 2026
WORKSHOP DATES:
21 – 26 September 2026
and 26 April –  1 May 2027

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