GHOST RANCH RETREAT HAS SOLD OUT.
Please sign up for the waitlist below.
Austin Film Festival is thrilled to announce the third annual Ghost Ranch Writer’s Retreat!
Happening once again July 28 – August 1, 2023 join Austin Film Festival for a creative getaway in Abiquiu, New Mexico. In a small group setting, we will explore finding and developing your creative voice. Through a series of panels and workshops, you will discover how different environments can influence your stories- and how your inimitable vision brings them to life.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT
Abiquiu is nestled in the auburn canyons and cliffs of the Colorado Plateau an hour outside of Santa Fe — New Mexico’s flourishing filmmaking hub. The Land of Enchantment has always had a magnetic pull on artists, and this small town is no exception. The Ranch has served as an inspiration to countless creatives. Most notable is artist Georgia O’Keeffe who lived and worked on the property during her later years. O’Keeffe’s favorite subjects still surround the property, from the Kitchen Mesa hiking trail to the Pedernal, a flat-topped mountain to the south. The Ranch’s beauty has been featured in more than just O’Keeffe’s landscapes; it has served as the backdrop for numerous films, such as City Slickers, Silverado, and No Country for Old Men.
It’s truly an artists’ haven.
Here are a few things that our group discovered at last year’s getaway:
“Ghost ranch was probably the best experience I’ve had in 15 years. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived but the ancient energy of the place combined with the talented speakers, intimate break-out groups and balanced blend of writing and leisure activity options made it a truly enchanting experience. It’s a gift I’ll be giving to myself again this year.”
“Going to Ghost Ranch was my first big step toward my screenwriting journey, and I’m so glad I took it. I met many fantastic creatives and got to experience a beautiful, historic place simultaneously. It was so good for the soul and a time I’ll never forget!”
“The thoughtful workshops, vibrant community of writers, and majestic setting of O’Keefe’s ranch created a rare alchemy that transformed my writing practice. Never before have I felt such kinship with a community of individuals dedicated to pursuing their craft.”
What to Expect When at Ghost Ranch:
Ghost Ranch is an intimate, rustic location that puts nature at the forefront. Its cozy environment will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time and away from the bustle of everyday life. Cell phone signal is strong at the entrance to Ghost Ranch, but it is inconsistent everywhere else on the Ranch. You may want to let your friends and family know that coverage is unreliable. Please also note that there are a few Wi-Fi hot spots for internet connections around the Ranch. Service is sometimes intermittent and slow due to satellite and weather conditions.
The property is primarily used as a spiritual retreat and hiking hot spot – it is not a spa. Traditional hotel services are limited. Think of your time on the property more like summer camp than the Four Seasons.
2023 Schedule Overview
This year’s event will run from Friday, July 28 to Tuesday, August 1.
Fri 7/28 |
Sat 7/29 |
Sun 7/30 |
Mon 7/31 |
Tue 8/1 |
| 3 PM – Check in begins | 7:30 AM – Breakfast | 7:30 AM – Breakfast | 7:30 AM – Breakfast | 10 AM – Check Out |
| 5:30 PM – Dinner | 9 AM – Guest Talk | 9 AM – Guest Talk | 9 AM – Guest Talk | |
| 7:00 PM – Retreat Welcome | 10:30 AM – Cohort Group | 10:30 AM – Cohort Group | 10:30 AM – Cohort Group | |
| 7:30 PM – Retreat Kickoff Reception | 12:00 PM – Lunch | 12:00 PM – Lunch | 12:00 PM – Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM – Open Time | 1:00 PM – Open Time | 1:00 PM – Open Time | ||
| 5:30 PM – Dinner | 5:30 PM – Dinner | 5:30 PM – Dinner | ||
| 7:30 PM – Movie Screening | 7:30 PM – Canyon Campfire | 7:30 PM – Work In Progress Live Reading |
COURSE FEE
GHOST RANCH RETREAT HAS SOLD OUT
Please fill out the below form to be put on the waitlist.
LODGING & FOOD PACKAGES
Private Room
Your own room and bathroom.
$620 for 4 nights.
($155 per night)
PRIVATE ROOMS ARE SOLD OUT
_
Private Dorm (Communal Bath) Room
Your own room and a shared, communal bathroom.
_
_
$340 for 4 nights
($85 per night)
_
Family Cottage
Each cottage has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.
NOTE: COTTAGES MUST BE BOOKED WITH ANOTHER PERSON PARTICIPATING IN AFF’S WRITERS RETREAT.
_
$1,160 for 4 nights (cost can be split by both occupants)
($290 per night)
_
Campsite
Small RV or tent sites with electricity. Communal
bathhouse w/ ice machine, shared refrigerator,
showers, sinks, and coin-operated laundry.
RV – $45 per night
Tent – $35 per night. 2 person maximum
_
Room types are first come, first reserve. Payment for your course fee will be required to reserve your room. A representative of AFF will call the number provided within 48 hours to discuss room options.
*Lodging and meal rates set by Ghost Ranch are subject to change. Ghost Ranch will do their best to provide registrants their lodging preferences on a first come, first served basis. If preferred lodging is not available, Ghost Ranch will work with registrants to find comparable options.
It is possible to attend the AFF Writers Retreat with offsite accommodations made by guest(s). Guest is responsible for the course fee purchased through AFF, meal plan purchased through Ghost Ranch, plus their own accommodations.
ALL GUESTS ARE RESPONISBLE FOR ALL TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS TO AND FROM GHOST RANCH FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THEIR STAY.
Food Package:
A $132 meal package will be required for everyone attending the retreat, whether staying on property or not. The meal package includes:
July 28: Dinner
July 29 – 31: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
August 1: Breakfast
REFUND POLICY (Please Read Before Purchase)
Course Fee Refund Policy: Refund requests for AFF’s Ghost Ranch Writers Retreat must be in writing and sent by U.S. first class mail or email to refunds@austinfilmfestival.com, postmarked by May 1, 2023, and all refunds will incur a $75 processing fee. After May 1, 2023, all payments are non-refundable for any reason, including but not limited to illness, acts of God, or travel-related problems. All add-on purchases are nonrefundable.
Registration fees are non-transferable and are the property of Austin Film Festival, Inc.
Refunds will be issued either via the original method of payment or other method approved by Austin Film Festival, if such original method is not available. Unused registrations cannot be credited for future events.
Purchases may be revoked at any time for any reason without liability to Austin Film Festival. You hereby release and hold harmless Austin Film Festival, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, successors, assigns, and licensees, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims resulting in attendance of an Austin Film Festival, Inc. event.
Special events may require purchase of a separate ticket for entry. If you have any questions about the Festival, your membership, badge, or film pass purchase, please contact info@austinfilmfestival.com or call 1-800-FEST (3378).
Hotel Refund Policy: Ghost Ranch requires 3o Day notification of cancelation. No refunds will be given after 30 Days prior to the start of the retreat.