What is NIX?

The NIX Screenwriting Workshop is an international screenwriting workshop taking place from 24–30 January 2027 in Finland.The workshop brings together three international and three Finnish filmmakers writing their debut fiction feature films for a week-long workshop residency in the culturally and historically significant ironworks setting of Karkkila.The workshop will be led by internationally acclaimed film director and screenwriter Mikko Myllylahti (The Woodcutter Story, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki). For those selected, the workshop will be free of charge, including accommodation and meals.‘Nix’ means ‘snow’ in Latin. We want to focus on artistically ambitious film projects amidst the transcendent silence of Finland’s unique midwinter.The Uusimaa Regional Fund of the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the City of Karkkila and Kino Laika have supported the workshop.

Who can apply?

Anyone writing their first feature-length fiction film who has also written and/or directed a produced short film or a student film. Applicants may be the project’s lead screenwriter or a director-screenwriter. Applicants must be available to attend the workshop in Karkkila from 24 to 30 January 2027.How to apply?

What are we looking for?

Artistic ambition, ability to take risks and a drive for international recognition. The workshop is primarily intended for fiction screenplays, but we are also open to other formats provided they contain fictional elements.

What do we offer those selected?

A 5-day screenwriting workshop mentored by director and screenwriter Mikko Myllylahti. The workshop will take place in the cultural-historical ironworks setting of Karkkila and includes accommodation in a single room and full board at the Tehtaan Hotelli, a historical hotel representing Finnish mid-century functionalism and the foundry of Karkkila.

What do we require from successful applicants?

* The workshop is free of charge for those selected, but each participant must cover their own travel costs to and from Karkkila.*Fluent English language skills — the working language of the workshop is English.*For those selected to the workshop: a full script or extended treatment (min. 30 pages) translated into English prior to the workshop.*Familiarisation with other participants’ projects prior to the workshop.*Permission to screen the participant’s previous short film at Kino Laika in Karkkila in a free screening open to the public.*Consent to the collection and storage of application-related data throughout the application process (in accordance with the EU’s GDPR). All submitted application materials and project details will be deleted once the application period has ended.

Preliminary Workshop Schedule

Sun 24 Jan 2027
Arrival in Karkkila, check-in at Tehtaan HotelliMon 25 Jan – Fri 29 Jan 2027
WorkshopSat 30 Jan 2027
Departure day

More info

• Tehtaan Hotelli
• Kino Laika
• Ala-Emali and Karkkila Foundry
• Mikko Myllylahti and Komik

How do I apply for the workshop?

Please send the following application materials by 9 October 2026 24:00 (EET) by email to nix ( a ) komik.fi:1) Your film’s screenplay or a treatment of at least 10 pages in PDF format, in Finnish or English2) A free-form cover letter in Finnish or English in which you introduce yourself and outline your experience in the film industry to date, as well as briefly describing the subject and objectives of your screenplay: e.g. how the screenplay came about, why it is significant to you as an artist and what you wish to convey through your work — or any other relevant information you wish to share about your work for the application process3) A working link (with password, if applicable) to a short film with English subtitles or in Finnish language you have previously written, along with a brief explanation of where the film may have been screenedPlease make sure that you have all the required materials in correct, readable form

What happens next?

Based on the applications, a shortlist (10–15 applicants) will be drawn up, and video call interviews will be arranged for them in early November. The final selections will be made before the end of November. Three writers from Finland and three from abroad will be selected for the workshop.

Where can I find more information?

Please follow our Instagram page @nixworkshopkarkkila where we will publish updates about the application process.You can send your enquiries to office ( a ) komik.fi; we’ll do our best to reply as soon as possible.Please read the FAQ section before sending your enquiries.Applications: nix ( a ) komik.fi
Enquiries: office ( a ) komik.fi

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am writing my script with another co-writer. Can I still take part?
A: You can take part provided you are the lead writer of the script. Unfortunately, our funding only allows for one participant per project. We aim to arrange for co-authors to take part in some of the workshop sessions remotely.Q: I am a foreign national but live in Finland. Can I apply?
A: The workshop is open to everyone; you are certainly welcome to apply. You do not need to specify in your application whether you are applying as a Finnish or international applicant.Q: Do I need to have a full screenplay of my project already when applying?
A: No you don't. The minimum requirement when applying is a treatment of at least 10-pages. If you are selected, then we will ask you to deliver either the full script or an extended treatment of minimum 30 pages.Q: I haven't written a produced short film. Can I still apply?
A: We require applicants to have at least one published short film to their name. A previously published work in the field of cinema is an important criterion in the application process. As part of the workshop, we also wish to screen the participants’ previous work to the public at a local cinema.Q: My short film isn't released yet and is still looking for its world premiere. I'm not sure if I can show it to the public during the workshop. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, you can still apply with that unreleased short film. It is important to send us a short film that best presents you as a film writer when applying. If you get selected, we will decide together what to do with the screening not to harm your premiere status. Please note that in case your most recent film cannot be screened yet, you are required to have another film that can be screened.Q: I'm working on a feature film script as a writer-director at the moment, but I haven't written my previous short films. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Yes, you are eligible. We accept applications from writer-directors even though they were not the writers of their previous short films.Q: I have made a documentary feature film before, but I'm now working on my first fiction film. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Yes, you can apply. We are looking for filmmakers venturing for the fiction features for the first time.