Matthew Nicholson Named Semifinalist for CineStory Feature Retreat
Independent Writers Caucus member Matthew Nicholson has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 CineStory Feature Retreat with his feature screenplay PIETRA FREDDA.
An elevated psychological horror set against the sun-drenched backdrop of northern Italy, PIETRA FREDDA follows a fiercely ambitious sculptor who is selected to study at the prestigious Italian Marble Institute in Carrara. As she becomes consumed with mastering her medium, she is haunted by a voice deep within the marble that promises artistic greatness… for a terrifying price.
Described as BLACK SWAN meets UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, PIETRA FREDDA explores the pursuit of perfection, artistic obsession, and the price of surrendering to one's muse. The screenplay was inspired in part by Nicholson's own experience visiting the Carrara marble quarry during a semester abroad in Italy.
The project reflects themes that recur throughout Nicholson's work, including grief, legacy, ambition, and the things people inherit. His character-driven stories often use heightened genres such as horror, fantasy, and dramedy to explore characters confronting circumstances beyond their control while fighting to determine what comes next.
The CineStory recognition continues a year of momentum for Nicholson. In 2026, he was selected for the Writers Guild Foundation's Support Staff Training Program, the Pre-Rainbow Pages Mentorship Program, and the CineStory TV Retreat. His feature SENIOR DITCH DAY was also named a Top 10 Finalist and Honorable Mention for the 2026 ISA Diversity Initiative, while his television pilot MYTHFITS was selected for the CineStory TV Retreat.
Matt is a queer screenwriter and longtime entertainment professional. His personal experiences with grief and caregiving have deeply influenced his storytelling philosophy and his interest in creating stories about hope, legacy, and what people leave behind. Across both television and features, he continues to develop stories that always find hope and humor in even the darkest and most unexpected places.
Check out Matt Nicholson's member profile at https://www.iwclist.com/team/matthew-nicholson.
