1-11.
Dec. 2025
Patagonia,
Argentina
Paolo
SorRentino
Lab.
filming
your
wonder
Intro: Creators Lab 2025
A unique experience with
Paolo SorRentino
This December, Playlab Films presents an extraordinary opportunity: a film creation residency 10-day tour of Argentine Patagonia, guided by one of the most influential authors of contemporary cinema, Paulo Sorrentino. For the first time, the Italian filmmaker, winner of the Oscar for The Great Beauty, will lead a practical workshop on film directing in which he will work side by side with 50 filmmakers selected from different parts of the world. It will be a international film laboratory of creative immersion in a deeply evocative territory, which will act as a catalyst to explore new forms of storytelling, confront ideas about cinema, and freely experiment with unexpected aesthetics.
The workshop is titled Filming your Wonder, Sorrentino's invitation to look at the world with wonder and let that impulse become cinema. Connecting with the search for that which baffles and fascinates us, the small and the grand, the intimate and the universal. In this space, each filmmaker will find the opportunity to engage with the Patagonian landscape and, at the same time, with Sorrentino's unique aesthetic and narrative sensibility, marked by his subtle irony, his visual elegance, and his ability to reveal the beauty and fragility of humanity.
“Cinema is nothing more than looking at the world and trying to understand why it is so sad and so beautiful at the same time.”
— Paolo Sorrentino
The Master
Paolo Sorrentino: beauty, melancholy and life.
Paolo Sorrentino (Naples, 1970) has built one of the most coherent and powerful filmographies in European cinema in recent decades. A director and screenwriter, he has explored themes such as memory, power, decadence, and religion with a sensibility that blends the sacred and the mundane, the grotesque and the sublime. His aesthetically recognizable and deeply emotional work has received praise and awards at the world's most prestigious festivals, including Cannes, Venice, and the Oscars.
From Il Divo to Youth, The Young Pope and The Hand of God, Sorrentino has crafted a personal universe in which aesthetic excess coexists with introspection and melancholy, making each film a unique journey. His style is simultaneously exuberant and restrained, visually dazzling and narratively sophisticated. With an eye that always seeks the extraordinary within the everyday, Sorrentino is the ideal mentor to guide this latest edition of Creators Lab, our film mentorship program.
“Every filmmaker searches for their own voice, but sometimes you have to get lost before you can find it.”
— Paolo Sorrentino
The Lab
Playlab Films' Creators Lab presents the Paolo Sorrentino Lab: Filming in Argentina in 2025. An immersive and transformative experience in which 50 audiovisual creators from around the world will develop a short film guided by Sorrentino's style, sensitivity, and artistic rigor, in what will be a true film development laboratory.
For 10 days of film residency, Participants will immerse themselves in a creative process that ranges from environmental observation to the post-production of their works. Following Abbas Kiarostami's original methodology, reinterpreted by authors such as Werner Herzog, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Pedro Costa, this new edition adapts to the unique perspective and experience of Paolo Sorrentino, who will accompany each stage of the process with individual and group consultations.
The idea of the lab is to create outside of these places we've always inhabited and to draw inspiration from Sorrentino's knowledge and experience; from the stories that emanate from this undiscovered territory and that continue to come alive in the present; it will become a fuel for curiosity, a source of observation, and a center for co-creation.
During this practical film workshop, filmmakers will explore all phases of audiovisual development. As a deeply personal process, each director must bring their own equipment (camera, sound gear, computer, etc.) to handle all roles and steps of their film. Every phase will be accompanied individually and as a group by Asghar Farhadi through lectures, exchanges, and script and directing consultations—complemented by the shared knowledge brought by each participating filmmaker.
This collective dynamic is essential: the process unites directors, forging an international community that extends well beyond this encounter and individual work. With this community comes the opportunity to travel festival circuits hand in hand. Following post-production, Playlab Films selects a showcase of 10 short films to actively accompany them in their international festival distribution and exhibition avenues.
For instance, The Lost Memories of Trees by Antonio La Camera (Apichatpong Lab 2022, Peru) won Best Short Film at the Venice Biennale. In 2023, Cannes presented an exclusive installation with 14 short films from the 2022 Lab alongside a short by Apichatpong, and in 2025, 10 shorts from the 2022 Apichatpong Lab and 10 from the 2024 Pedro Costa Lab participated in the Cannes Short Film Corner. Works from past editions have also been selected at festivals such as BAFICI, Berlinale, Locarno, Havana, Cartagena, L'Alternativa, FIRST International Film Festival in China, and MIFF in Melbourne.
"As far as I'm concerned, every film should be a relentless search for the unknown and the mysterious. Not so much to find an answer, but to keep the question alive."
— Paolo Sorrentino
“Every filmmaker searches for their own voice, but sometimes you have to get lost before you can find it.”
— Paolo Sorrentino
The Master
Program
Day 0
- Welcome to the lab
- Delivery of materials: accreditations, maps, pre-production book
- Presentation of the central theme and the participants
Day 1
- Presentation of the Creators LAB working methodology by Paolo Sorrentino and Estephania Bonnett
- Exploration of the territory (part 1)
- Night Exchange with the Master
Day 2
- Exploration of the territory (part 2)
- Creation Lab 1: Idea Consulting with Sorrentino
- Night Exchange with the Master
Day 3
- Meeting between creators and characters Afternoon
- Creation Lab 2: Idea Consulting with Sorrentino
- Night Exchange with the Master
Day 4
- Filming of approved short films
- Night Exchange with the Master
Day 5
- Filming of approved short films
- Night Exchange with the Master
Day 6
- Filming of approved short films
- Review of materials and assembly scripts
- Night Exchange with the Master
Day 7
- Assembly and consulting with Paolo Sorrentino
- Night Exchange with the Master
Day 8
- Assembly and consulting with Paolo Sorrentino
- Night Exchange with the Master
Day 9
- Assembly Closing and Consulting with Paolo Sorrentino
- Screening of completed short films (Afternoon)
- Final exchange with the Master
Day 10
- Second screening
- Closure of the laboratory
The base of the lab
Argentine Patagonia
San Martín de los Andes is a city nestled in Argentine Patagonia, surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes that make it a unique territory for creation. Its richness lies not only in its landscapes, but also in the life of its communities: the Mapuche memory, traditional crafts, the warmth of its inhabitants, and the stories that circulate through its streets and natural surroundings. For ten days, this place will become a living stage for filmmakers, offering stories, characters, and atmospheres capable of inspiring new perspectives and films.
The workshop will be based on Rotuí Luxury Village, a cozy and intimate space, immersed in the forest, with residences surrounded by water and native trees. From there, filmmakers will be able to travel to different parts of the region and, at the same time, find a peaceful haven to work on their projects. Rotuí will become a place of inspiration and encounter, designed to foster the exchange of ideas and experiences, and for each creator to find the energy necessary to shape their visions in dialogue with Patagonia.
“One films so as not to forget, to give meaning to that which has no meaning, or simply because one wouldn't know what to do with so much beauty around oneself.”
— Paolo Sorrentino
Call
Calendar and registration
Calendar
- Call for Proposals Launch: August 21, 2025
- Closing date: September 21, 2025
- Workshop Start: December 1, 2025
- Workshop Closing: December 12, 2025
Registration and payment
- Pre-registration fee: €30 (for those selected, this fee is included in the total registration cost)
- Registration and participation fee: €7500
- Duration: 10 full days + 1 afternoon/evening – 11 nights
- Once the fee has been paid, there will be NO refunds. If the selected student has not paid their registration fee by the deadline, their spot will automatically be given to the next participant on the waiting list.
Includes
- Artistic mentorship and creative guidance from Asghar Farhadi.
- Support from the Playlab Films team.
- Accommodation for 11 nights and 12 days at Finca La Devoción / Agua Bendita
- Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, non-alcoholic beverages).
- 24h Hydration – Water, coffee, Tea. – Internal transfers to and from the (Querétaro International Airport - QRO)
- Local transport during the workshop.
- Access to all lab activities.
- Nightly dialogues with Asghar Farhadi.
- Workspaces tailored specifically for the workshop.
- A pre-production booklet featuring:
- Extensive casting directory of local non-professional and professional actors.
- Location guide with historical and cultural background.
- Filming permits for locations curated by Playlab.
- Practical production guidelines for shooting.
Inscriptions closed
List of 50 selected filmmakers
Aislinn Lowe Australia
Alejandro Montalvo Mexico
Álvaro
Yoona
Charles Dong China
Tin Brendel Italy
Daniel
Daniel Belmonte Peru
Diego Gaixola Mexico
Doroteja Kovačević Serbia
E of the World Philippines
Edoardo
Erico Toscano Brazil
Ernesto Rowe Argentina
Francis English Italy
Gabriel Bosisio Argentina
George
Gianna Mazzeo Italy/Australia
Hernan
Jackson Griffin USA
Jikkie Schelling The Netherlands
Joshua Ianniello Italy
Juan
Justine
Lupe Belmonte Spain
Macarena Rubio Argentina
Mario Lucia Clement Germany
Moises Bazbaz Mexico
Nicola Civita Brazil
Niccolò Corti Italy
Nico Martinez Colombia
Oliver
Pablo Serret de Ena Spain
Patrick James Verlin Australia
Petra Leslie Australia
Rudá Santos Brazil
Rumi Kaul The Netherlands
Simon Acosta Colombia
Valeria Gaudieri Italy
Wero Rodowicz poland
Will Benzian USA
Yijian Shan China
Zuko
Testimonials
FAQ
FAQ
What is Creators Lab?
- What is Creators Lab?
Creators Lab is an international film creation lab organized by Playlab Films. In this edition, 50 filmmakers from around the world will be selected to each create a short film during 10 intensive days in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You are not applying with a project The lab starts from scratch: on Day XNUMX, Asghar Farhadi will propose a central theme, and from there each participant will develop, shoot, and edit their own film. - What is the focus of the lab?
To foster a deeply auteur-driven, honest, and daring cinematic experience. It is a space for creative freedom, formal experimentation, collective work, and radical presence. There is no pitching, no industry pressure, and no competition—only creation.
Who can apply?
- Who can apply?
Filmmakers and audiovisual creators with prior experience as directors (fiction, documentary, hybrid), screenwriters, or directors of photography who can demonstrate their ability to create an audiovisual work independently from start to finish. The application form requires links to two previous completed works (short or feature films). Trailers and showreels are not accepted. - What profiles are you looking for?
Individuals with an artistic and auteur vision interested in experimenting, researching, and working intensely within the suggested territory. We value sensitivity, risk-taking, ethics, autonomy, and collaborative capacity. - Is there an age or nationality limit?
No. Anyone from any country aged 18 or older can apply.
How to apply?
- What materials must I submit to apply?
- Updated CV / Resume.
- A 1-page Motivation Letter explaining your interest in participating (in English).
- Links to two (2) previous completed works demonstrating your vision and skills (trailers and showreels are not accepted).
- Do I apply with an idea or script for a short film?
No. Ideas or scripts are not accepted. The creative process starts completely from scratch during the lab. - In what language should the application be submitted?
All documentation must be in English. The lab will be conducted primarily in English. - Can I reapply if I submitted an application in previous editions?
Yes. There is no issue with applying again. Having applied before does not negatively impact your chances of selection. Each edition evaluates the candidate's current profile from scratch. If you were selected in a previous edition but could not attend, please mention it in your motivation letter so we can take it into account.
Laboratory operations
- Where and when does it take place?
In San Miguel de Allende (Guanajuato, Mexico), hosted at Finca La Devoción and Agua Bendita. The lab takes place in November 10 for 1 full consecutive days (from November 12th to November XNUMXth, XNUMX). - What is included in participation?
- Artistic mentorship and creative guidance from Asghar Farhadi.
- Support from the Playlab Films team.
- Accommodation for 11 nights and 12 days at Finca La Devoción / Agua Bendita
- Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, non-alcoholic beverages).
- 24h Hydration station (water, coffee, tea).
- Internal group transfers to and from (Querétaro International Airport - QRO)
- Local transport during the workshop.
- Access to all lab activities.
- Nightly dialogues with Asghar Farhadi.
- Workspaces tailored specifically for the workshop.
- A pre-production booklet featuring:
- Extensive casting directory of local non-professional and professional actors.
- Location guide with historical and cultural background.
- Filming permits for locations curated by Playlab.
- Practical production guidelines for shooting.
- What is not included?
- International travel to the destination airport (Querétaro International Airport - QRO)
- Travel & health insurance (each participant must secure their own).
- Technical equipment (camera, lenses, laptop/computer, microphone, tripod, etc.).
- Actor fees. Each participant is responsible for negotiating directly with their cast regarding collaboration terms (symbolic payments, exchanges, or monetary agreements).
- What equipment should I bring?
Each participant must bring all the necessary equipment to shoot and edit their short film, including:- Camera (digital, film, smartphone, VHS, etc.).
- Lenses
- Microphones
- Tripod
- Laptop with editing software
- Any additional technical accessories deemed necessary.
Keep in mind you will be moving with your gear all day; we recommend keeping it lightweight and bringing only essentials.
- Are there restrictions on recording formats or media?
No. You may shoot in whatever format suits your artistic vision.
Post-production, selection and distribution
- What happens at the end of the lab?
- On the final two days, all 50 completed short films are screened internally.
- After the lab, each participant has a two-month deadline to complete their final cut and post-production.
- Following this period, Playlab Films selects 10 short films to receive dedicated distribution support.
- What do the 10 selected shorts receive?
- A grant for professional color grading completed by a partner colorist.
- International festival distribution support managed by Playlab Films.
- What happens to the shorts not selected?
They can be freely distributed by their authors, with ongoing guidance from Playlab Films. - Can I stay connected with Playlab Films?
Following short film distribution, and to continue working with participating directors while strengthening our community, all 50 filmmakers will be invited to an exclusive internal call to submit their upcoming feature film or series projects to Playlab FilmsWe aim to nurture new talent and accompany them throughout their filmmaking careers.
Costs and financing
- What is the application fee?
To enroll in the Paolo Sorrentino Lab: Filming in Argentina, you must pay a fee of €30, which, if selected, will be deducted from your total tuition. - What is the tuition cost for the lab?
The entry fee will be published in the official announcement. - Are scholarships or financial aid available?
- Creators Lab is an independent, self-funded lab. We do not offer internal scholarships or funding to cover participation costs.
- However, we have partnerships with cultural institutions and funds in various countries that have supported selected participants in past editions.
- If selected, we can issue an official acceptance letter for you to seek external funding in your home country.
- Can I request a letter of acceptance to apply for external funding?
Yes. Selected participants can receive an official acceptance letter to apply for grants or funding from entities in their home country. - Are refunds offered after paying tuition?
Once paid, tuition fees are strictly non-refundable. - What happens if I don't pay the workshop registration fee on time?
If the selected participant has not paid their registration fee by the deadline, their spot will automatically be given to the next participant on the waiting list.
Certificates and participation
- Is a certificate provided?
Yes. All participants receive an official certificate of completion issued by Playlab Films. - Can I attend as an observer or companion?
No. The lab is strictly reserved for the 50 selected participants.
Contact
- What email address can I contact if I have questions that aren't answered here?
creatorslab@playlabfilms.com
The production house
Playlab Films is a production company and global network of authors, producers, and cinematic visionaries. We are privileged to have the support of some of the most renowned masters of world cinema, including Abbas Kiarostami, Werner Herzog, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Pedro Costa and Paolo Sorrentino. Our core mission is to foster bold and original voices in film, those whose practices are grounded in artistic integrity and the courage to challenge conventional ways of making films.
For over a decade, Estephania Bonnett, film producer and creative mind behind Playlab Films, has been at the forefront of this vision. She has led the creation of the Creators Lab, a unique space where emerging filmmakers explore bold ideas, challenge conventions, and develop their voices under the guidance of world-renowned directors. Through workshops and annual residencies, Estephania has connected young talents with masters such as Abbas Kiarostami, Werner Herzog, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Pedro Costa, and now Paolo Sorrentino.
The Creators Lab and other Playlab initiatives have produced more than 350 short films, many of which have participated in festivals such as Venice, Cannes, Berlinale, Locarno, Havana, and Docs BA. Beyond short films, Playlab supports emerging directors in the production of feature films, miniseries, and documentaries, offering a space to create, experiment, and inspire. Under Estephania's leadership, Playlab remains an intimate and collaborative environment where ideas are shared, bold risks are encouraged, and new cinematic voices are fostered to reach an international audience.
Allied institutions
To obtain financial support, each selected participant must personally apply to a public or private institution in their country, which typically offers scholarships for international training or short film creation.
In previous editions, Creators Lab participants have received support from institutions such as Swiss Films, Colombian Film Development Fund (3 scholarships of up to three million six hundred thousand pesos ($3.600.000), Polish Film Institute (1 international scholarship), Hungarian Film Institute (1 travel scholarship), Greek Film Center, South African Film Institute, among others.
Credits
Director and producer
Estephania Bonnett A.
Director of Content and Community
Laura Otálora
Paolo Sorrentino portraits
Michael Avedon
Production Director
Poli Wegier
Design and graphics
Juan Felipe Mejía
Web by
New Spirit Studio