The Writers' Room offers selected Dutch-language writers an intensive trajectory to develop their treatment or script in a focused, supportive environment. Working in a small, carefully curated group, participants collaborate closely with experienced script coach Gwyneth Sleutel to refine story structure, deepen character development, and strengthen the thematic heart of their project. Peer feedback plays an important role throughout the process, creating a space where writers can test ideas, exchange insights, and build confidence in their narrative choices.
For 2026, the Writers' Room expands to three sessions spread across several weeks: the first during the festival and two follow-up meetings afterwards.
The Writers' Room is open exclusively to writers working in Dutch and made possible by the Lira Fund. Registrations are open until 15 March. More information can be found here. Interested in more screenwriting sessions? Check out the panel discussion Scriptwriting Beyond Fiction on how to write for non-linear work.
Moderator: Gwyneth Sleutel
About the speakers
Gwyneth Sleutel is a film dramaturge, writer and speaker. She works as a dramaturge in the fiction department of the NTR, where she supervises various feature films, series and online series. Gwyneth specialises in the representation of women and sexuality on screen, a subject she often gives talks and masterclasses on. She was a guest columnist for De Volkskrant and writes opinion pieces for NRC, Trouw and Opzij. In 2023, she made the documentary Het nieuwe flirten (The New Flirting) for NPO Start. In 2024, she was named FDTalent by Het Financieele Dagblad. She is currently working with Spring, the new imprint of Atlas Contact, on her debut book about the female gaze on screen and beyond.