Uncarved filmmaking retreat - Bali

An exclusive 10-Day Adventure Filmmaking Retreat in Indonesia hosted by Jakub Chlouba, this retreat is designed for filmmakers, cinematographers, and videographers who want to gain hands-on documentary experience in real-world adventure environments.

highlights

A group of people filming or photographing a young boy in a river, with some members standing in the water and others holding equipment and lighting

Practical Skill Building

Sharpen your filmmaking skills through immersive masterclasses, guided fieldwork, and creative challenges. From cinematography to storytelling, you’ll grow fast — by learning to find beauty, depth, and story potential in any environment.

A man with a cap and black shirt films a woman wearing a conical hat and green sweater in a flowering field, surrounded by green plants with red flowers.

Real-World Documentary Production

Work alongside a local NGO on a meaningful project with a tangible outcome — something you can proudly add to your portfolio or use to pitch future work. This is hands-on, purpose-driven filmmaking with real-world impact.

Culture & Places Unseen

See Bali in a way most never do. Go beyond the tourist trail to uncover untold stories, meet local changemakers, and experience the island through a different lens.

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”

  • This retreat is for filmmakers who are searching for deeper purpose in their work — for those who want to tell honest, impactful stories and feel more connected to the process.

    It’s for people who might feel stuck in the cycle of uninspiring projects, like I once did. A few years ago, I was working as an in-house filmmaker, creating videos that looked good on the surface but felt empty. I knew I loved filmmaking — just not that kind. I wanted to explore, to make work that mattered. It took time (and a lot of trial and error) to find a path that felt aligned — and now I want to share what I’ve learned.

    If you want to sharpen your skills, build a meaningful portfolio piece, and connect with like-minded creatives — and you’re ready to put in the work — this retreat was made for you.

  • This isn’t for filmmakers looking for a luxury getaway or an easy, done-for-you experience. If you’re not ready to step outside your comfort zone, this might not be the right fit.

Learn to create natural looking interviews with minimal gear.

Icon of a calendar with a grid layout and rings at the top.

DATES

18.-28.9.2025

Black silhouette of a wolf howling at the moon against a night sky background.

CAPACITY

Max 6 person

A cartoon face of a dog with pointy ears and a simple, smiling expression.

INVESTMENT

€3790/person

(Price includes mix of private and twin sharing rooms through out the retreat. For 9 nights private private extra charge of €300 applies.)

Black silhouette of a person standing and stretching arms, surrounded by a few trees, with a body of water and a boat in the background.

DIFFICULTY

Medium

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Silhouettes of people, one carrying a container on their head, against a cloudy sky.
Close-up of a young boy's face in profile looking through a window.
Close-up of a hand holding and pouring a cloud of dry sand against a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a person's face with wet skin, looking contemplative, in soft lighting.
Young person wearing traditional headdress with coins, standing inside a dimly lit wooden building with other people in traditional attire in the background.
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An elderly Middle Eastern man with a white beard, wearing traditional attire including a red and white checkered keffiyeh and black head covering, standing in a stone tunnel.
Silhouette of a person with traditional African headwear and necklace, standing in a dimly lit room with bright light coming from a window overhead.
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Close-up of a woman with dark skin wearing a colorful headscarf, with low lighting highlighting her face
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what to expect?

*To keep the experience intentional and intimate, the full day-by-day itinerary will be shared only with confirmed participants after securing their spot with a 50% deposit.

  • One of the most powerful parts of this retreat is the mindset workshop — a space to pause, reflect, and realign with your most authentic self. You’ll explore what truly drives you as a filmmaker, gain clarity on your path, and learn how to bring more intention and purpose into your creative work.

  • In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the heart of what makes stories resonate. We’ll explore how to find and shape real-life narratives with emotional depth, how to approach characters with respect and curiosity, and how to craft impactful stories that stay with the audience. It's not about formulas — it’s about learning to listen, observe, and tell the truth beautifully.

  • Learn how to see like a cinematographer — to read natural light, compose with intention, and craft beautiful images using minimal gear. We’ll cover how to shoot compelling documentary interviews and create visually rich scenes, even in unpredictable environments. It’s not about having the best equipment — it’s about learning to use what you have with skill and purpose.

  • Each participant will get a dedicated 45 minute one-on-one session with Jakub. This is your time — whether you want feedback on your work, clarity on your next steps, or just an honest conversation about filmmaking, life, or anything in between. Nothing is off-limits, and everything is welcome.

  • Work alongside a local NGO supporting them by creating a meaningful project with a tangible outcome — 2-3 minute short documentary/mission film, you can proudly add to your portfolio or use to pitch future work. This is hands-on, purpose-driven filmmaking with real-world impact.

    *Post-production will be in your hands with 2 monthly group calls to support you on the edit.

  • Over the 10 days, you’ll get to experience a range of adventure activities — from freediving and testing underwater housings, to hiking, bouldering, surfing, and more. We’ll stay flexible and choose activities based on the group’s energy and interests, making sure everyone gets to explore, play, and push their comfort zone in the best way.

accommodation

Throughout the retreat, you’ll experience a thoughtful mix of comfortable, semi-luxury stays and more back-to-basics accommodations.

This blend is intentional — it reflects the real-world conditions of documentary production in the field, while still giving you the space to rest, reset, and recharge.

Each location is also carefully chosen to foster a deep connection with the natural environment — whether that’s waking up to the sounds of the jungle, being surrounded by rice terraces, or sleeping closer to the elements.

*The photos below are for mood and style reference only — final accommodations may vary slightly.

Luxurious bedroom with wooden walls and floor, a four-poster bed with white drapes and decorative pillows, surrounded by warm lighting and eclectic furniture.
Two-story house with wooden exterior, large windows, and a red tiled roof, surrounded by trees and grass, with some lights on inside.
Aerial view of a lush, green garden with a variety of trees, including palm trees and flowering plants, surrounding a house with a tiled roof.
Close-up of a plate with a blueberry pancake topped with blueberry compote, whipped cream, and garnished with mint leaves, served with a side of cooked breakfast sausage and a roasted potato.
Bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, decorative wall art, wooden ladder, toilet, and a sink with a mirror, illuminated by overhead lighting.
A traditional wooden house with red tile roofing, surrounded by lush green tropical plants and a well-manicured lawn, during early evening.

nutrition

Good food fuels great work — and that’s why nutrition is a key part of the retreat. You’ll enjoy a delicious mix of international and local dishes made from organic, naturally sourced ingredients. Clean, nourishing meals designed to keep your energy and focus high, with options to suit any dietary needs. Oh, and yes — there will definitely be good coffee to keep you going!

A wicker basket filled with fresh vegetables and kombucha on a wooden table outdoors, with green foliage in the background.
Breakfast spread with a variety of breakfast dishes, including eggs benedict, chickpea salad, chicken with vegetables, baked bread, fresh fruit, hot drink with foam art, and orange juice.

films by jakub

Story-driven impact film created for an NGO, successfully used as a fundraising tool to support their mission.

In collaboration with the SOWN FOR GOOD & The Art of Documentary.

Jakub’s Role: Director | DOP | Editor

A short documentary shot in 2022 as a personal passion project, telling the story of a fixed-gear bicycle messenger from Buenos Aires.

Jakub’s Role: Producer | Director | DOP | Editor | Colorist

Accompanying short documentary and behind-the-scenes film created as part of a larger campaign raising awareness about Earth defenders by Studio Birthplace.

Jakub’s Role: Director | DOP | Editor | Colorist

Additional details

*

Additional details *

    • 9 nights (twin / double sharing)

    • 3 meals a day + snacks, drinking water, coffee, tea

    • Airport pick up

    • All transport in Bali and around

    • All workshops and master classes

    • All guided experiences

    • 1-on-1 sessions

    • International flights

    • Alcoholic drinks

    • Travel & cancellation insurance(mandatory)

    • Tips for guides and drivers

    • Personal expenses such as extra food, bike rental, souvenirs etc.

  • To secure your spot, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining 50% is due 60 days before the retreat begins.

    Cancellation Policy

    We understand plans can change. Here’s how our cancellation policy works:

    • More than 60 days before the retreat: 100% refund.

    • Between 60 and 30 days before the retreat: 50% refund.

    • Less than 30 days before the retreat: No refund.

    We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment, especially for international travel.

    In rare cases, we may need to cancel the retreat due to reasons beyond our control — such as insufficient participation, weather disruptions, or logistical issues. If this happens, you’ll receive a full refund of all payments made toward the retreat. Please note: we cannot reimburse you for any additional travel expenses such as flights, hotels, or transportation booked outside the retreat.

  • Camera - bring a camera that is capable of recording video at least at 1080p 10-bit at 24fps and ideally in LOG profile.

    Lenses - minimum requirement would be to have a Zoom lens, similar to 24-70 f2.8

    Filters - to achieve the most cinematic results, bring a Variable ND filter.

    Laptop - bring a computer that can handle post-production of your camera files.

    Other - batteries, microphones, cage, top handle, monitor, camera backpack etc.

    Outdoor gear - a list of outdoor gear and clothing will be provided upon booking of the expedition.

  • Please make sure that your passport is eligible for Visa on Arrival or other type of tourist visa.

  • I’m here with answers. Reach out anytime to hello@jakubchlouba.com