9-Day Journey

A Christian documentary filmmaking retreat through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and faithful community

Day 1

San José

Presence First

Spiritual Anchor

Presence first. Opening devotion and prayer for alignment and unity.

Creative Focus

Story foundations through a Christian lens. Calling, testimony, and intent.

Feb 20
Day 2

San José

Hearing God in the Process

Spiritual Anchor

Hearing God in the process.

Creative Focus

Visual language and composition as worship. Fundamentals: framing, movement, and coverage.

Feb 21
Day 3

San José → Jacó

Trust in Transition

Spiritual Anchor

Obedience and trust on the road.

Creative Focus

Documentary mindset in transit. Fundamentals: scene building, transitions, and B-roll that serves story.

Feb 22
Transfer Day
Day 4

Jacó

Courage and Compassion

Spiritual Anchor

Courage and truth in storytelling.

Creative Focus

Directing with compassion. Fundamentals: interviews, sit-downs, and thoughtful listening.

Feb 23
Day 5

Jacó

Coverage and Preparation

Spiritual Anchor

Faithfulness in the pivot.

Creative Focus

Coverage for edit. Fundamentals: cutaways, inserts, and audio beds.

Feb 24
Day 6

Jacó → Santiago de Puriscal

Rest as Worship

Spiritual Anchor

Rest as worship.

Creative Focus

Personal reflection and journaling. Fundamentals: shot lists, lookbooks, and intent statements.

Feb 25
Transfer Day
Day 7

Santiago de Puriscal

Collaboration

Spiritual Anchor

Community and service.

Creative Focus

Collaboration. Fundamentals: roles on a doc team, producing the field day.

Feb 26
Day 8

Santiago de Puriscal → San José

Edit as Worship

Spiritual Anchor

Stewardship and excellence.

Creative Focus

Edit rhythm and color as atmosphere. Fundamentals: selects, structure, and a first pass.

Feb 27
Transfer Day
Day 9

San José

Delivery and Impact

Spiritual Anchor

Commissioning and sending.

Creative Focus

Delivery and impact. Fundamentals: finishing, export, and presentation.

Feb 28

The Journey Arc

Days 1-2: San José Foundation

Begin in Costa Rica's vibrant capital. Establish presence-first filmmaking, story foundations through a Christian lens, and visual language as worship.

Days 3-5: Jacó Coastal Workshop

Journey to the Pacific coast for documentary mindset development, directing with compassion, and mastering coverage for the edit.

Days 6-8: Puriscal Mountain Reflection

Ascend into the mountains for rest as worship, collaborative documentary work, and edit rhythm as atmosphere.

Day 9: Commissioning & Sending

Return to San José for final delivery, presentation of work, and commissioning for the creative calling ahead.