The Filmmaker’s Retreat: Storytelling in the Wild (Alberta Edition)
Co-led by Kevin Kossowan & Preston Kanak
In this hands-on retreat, you’ll step beyond the script and into the forest. Together, we’ll explore what it means to tell grounded, human stories—with fewer tools, deeper presence, and a clearer connection to the land. From interview techniques to story structure, you’ll learn how to adapt your process to match the pace and rhythm of real life—and walk away with sharper documentary skills and a renewed creative pulse.
Kevin Kossowan, the filmmaker behind From the Wild, brings deep experience in working with nature as collaborator. From boreal forests to backyards, oceans to homesteads, Kevin has shaped a career on stories rooted in place, food, and seasonal rhythms. In this retreat, he’ll share both the technical and philosophical foundations of nature-based filmmaking—how to track light like a forager, how to hear story in silence, and how to shoot with purpose, not just pressure.
Preston Kanak, a longtime educator and filmmaker, will guide you through field-tested workflows for documentary cinematography, small-crew production, and visual storytelling that feels alive.
Ground your story in the land that holds it.
This retreat isn’t just about gear or workflow—it’s about attention. It’s about listening to the wind, noticing the light, and letting the space shape the story. And it’s about learning from people who have been doing that for over a decade.
Location: North of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Dates: September 9th-12th, 2025
Cost: $2850 per person
Transportation: Not included (participants are responsible for getting to the location)
Meals: Group meals provided
Accommodation: Camping in the wilderness (details & packing list provided upon registration)
What to expect:
Pre-Retreat: Setting the Stage
We’ll host a pre-production call to align intentions, workflows, and creative goals. You’ll arrive with a clear sense of focus—and a few ideas worth chasing.
Tuesday Night: Arrival & Camp Setup
Settle into camp, ease into the week, and join us for a relaxed fireside evening. This isn’t just logistics—it’s the start of attuning to the natural rhythm of the place.
Wednesday: Connection & Grounding
We begin with guided discussions and hands-on workshops exploring storytelling fundamentals—visual composition, natural light cinematography, time-lapse techniques, and capturing authentic interviews—while being fully present in the raw beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Expect a blend of guided demos, Q&A, and shooting time in the field—with Kevin and Preston as hands-on mentors.
In the evening, we shift into practice: Kevin will lead a hands-on beverage scene workshop, sharing his approach to visual rhythm, natural light, and how to cover scenes solo with layered intention. You’ll each have a chance to shoot, supported by Kevin and Preston.
Thursday: Guided Field Practice
You’ll develop and shoot a short scene, solo or in small teams—choosing your subject, setting, and style. This is your lab time: observe, listen, and let your instincts lead.
In the afternoon and evening, we’ll shift to food: Kevin will lead a live food prep and cooking session, walking through how he captures the process cinematically. You’ll document the experience, working solo with group support to practice scene coverage, sensory storytelling, and dynamic pacing. Departure early on Friday.
Post-Retreat: Crafting the Story
After the retreat, we’ll host a group post-production call for feedback and support—helping you refine your piece and reflect on what shifted in your process.
Who is this for?
Filmmakers and creatives looking to work lighter, deeper, and more intuitively
Anyone craving a reset: creatively, personally, or professionally
Documentary storytellers seeking stronger connection to place and presence
Photographers ready to cross into motion with guidance and grounding
What You’ll Gain
Clear, repeatable workflows for field production
Deeper awareness of how nature shapes story
A finished sequence or scene, shot in the field
Tools for intuitive planning, small-crew interviews, and solo storytelling
A more present, personal connection to your own creative rhythm
Reserve Your Spot
This retreat is more than just a filmmaking workshop—it’s an opportunity to embrace stillness, reconnect with yourself, and return with a renewed creative vision.
Are you ready to tell your story in the wild?
Location: North of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Dates: September 9th-12th, 2025
Events Cancellation Policy
All workshops and events operate on a fee recovery basis and require a minimum number of registrants to go ahead.
Due to the nature of these small-group workshops, all payments are non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel, we may offer a credit toward a future event if given sufficient notice. If the event is canceled by us due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will be given the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Specific events may have different timelines depending on the nature of the event. Courses and events with guest instructors may be cancelled or rescheduled if sufficient registration has not been met one week prior to the start of the course.
Please contact us for further information.
Additional information
Our workshops are designed to provide immersive, nature-based experiences that foster personal growth, creativity, and connection. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, please review the following important considerations before registering.
Outdoor Experience
These workshops take place in remote, natural environments that may include uneven terrain, variable weather conditions, and limited access to amenities. While no prior outdoor experience is required, participants should be prepared to spend extended time in nature. We encourage an open mindset, a willingness to embrace the elements, and respect for the land and its ecosystems.
Physical & Mental Readiness
This experience is designed to challenge participants in a safe and supportive way, but it does require a certain level of physical and mental resilience. Activities may include moderate hiking, carrying personal gear, and extended periods of solitude. If you have any physical or mental health concerns, please consult with a healthcare professional before attending. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so we can discuss potential accommodations.
Insurance & Liability
All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to attending the workshop. We strongly recommend that participants have personal health and travel insurance that covers outdoor activities. While we take every precaution to ensure safety, participants join at their own risk.
Equipment & Packing Needs
Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate gear suited for outdoor conditions. A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration, but essentials include weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, a sleeping bag, and any personal items needed for comfort. While we will provide group meals and certain communal items, it’s important to come prepared for an outdoor experience.
Cell Service & Communication
Most workshop locations will have limited or no cell reception. This is intentional to help participants disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. If needed, emergency communication methods will be available through workshop leaders.
Food & Allergies
Meals will be provided as part of the experience, but due to the nature of outdoor cooking and foraged ingredients, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. If you have severe food allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate. However, participants should bring any necessary personal food items if required for safety.
Wildlife Awareness & Safety
These workshops take place in natural habitats where wildlife may be present. While encounters are rare and we take every precaution, participants should be mindful of their surroundings and follow safety protocols provided by the instructors.
Emergency Preparedness & First Aid
While we prioritize safety and all guides are trained in basic first aid, participants are responsible for their own well-being during the experience. In the event of an emergency, professional medical assistance may not be immediately available due to the remote nature of the workshop. Participants should carry any necessary medications and disclose relevant medical conditions to the organizers in advance.
Ethical & Cultural Sensitivity
Many of our workshop locations hold deep cultural and historical significance. We acknowledge and respect Indigenous land and traditions and ask that participants approach the experience with a sense of gratitude and responsibility.
Restroom Facilities
Please note that restroom facilities in these wilderness settings are limited or non-existent. Participants should be comfortable using nature-friendly bathroom methods, and we will provide guidance on best practices for responsible outdoor hygiene.
Weather & Cancellations
Workshops take place in all weather conditions except in cases of extreme or unsafe weather (such as severe storms or wildfires). Participants should be prepared for varying conditions, including rain, wind, and temperature changes. If we need to cancel or reschedule due to extreme weather, participants will be notified as soon as possible and offered a reschedule date or credit for a future workshop.
Personal Responsibility & Respect for Nature
Participants are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the land, wildlife, and fellow participants. This includes packing out any trash, following ethical foraging practices if applicable, and ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Due to the nature of these small-group workshops, all payments are non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel, we may offer a credit toward a future event if given sufficient notice. If the event is canceled by us due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will be given the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Photography & Media Release
We may document parts of the workshop experience through photography or video for future marketing and promotional materials. By registering, you agree to be included in workshop media unless you opt out in advance. If you prefer not to be photographed, please notify us before the workshop begins.
No Guarantee of Outcomes
While these workshops are designed to foster personal growth, clarity, and connection, individual results will vary. The experience is what you make of it, and we encourage participants to approach it with an open mind and willingness to engage fully.
Limited Liability
By registering, participants acknowledge that they are voluntarily engaging in outdoor activities that carry inherent risks. The workshop organizers, facilitators, and landowners are not responsible for injuries, accidents, lost or damaged personal belongings, or any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.