The Rotterdam Lab 2026 is a program for emerging international film producers seeking to expand their professional network and develop feature-length projects with international co-production potential. It is open to independent producers, freelancers, or junior producers in production companies, with no age limit, who have completed at least two short films and are working on their first or second feature.
The program prioritizes diversity and inclusion, especially welcoming applicants from minority, indigenous, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, disabled communities, or underrepresented regions in the international film industry.
Selected participants receive full access to IFFR Pro and CineMart 2026, including accreditation for meetings, screenings, networking events, and five nights of accommodation. Travel expenses are not covered.
The lab takes place during the International Film Festival Rotterdam, from late January to early February 2026. Applicants must submit an application form, CV, and motivation letter, with an optional portfolio or dossier. The main focus is on the international potential of the project and the producer’s ability to contribute to and benefit from the lab.
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Lab - IFFR
The Hollywood Storytellers Script Competition is an international screenwriting contest open to feature films, shorts, and TV pilots across all genres. The submission deadline is November 2, 2025. Scripts must be submitted in English as PDFs and meet standard length requirements per category. The jury consists of industry professionals from major studios such as Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Participants can optionally request executive feedback with a free resubmission option. Winners receive laurels, certificates, industry exposure, and an invitation to attend the live event in Los Angeles on March 21 and 22, 2026. This festival is a valuable opportunity for screenwriters seeking visibility, networking, and direct access to Hollywood professionals. Entry fees range from $28 to $80 USD, with discounts available.
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Festival de cine Hollywood Storytellers - CONCURSO DE GUIÓN
Sykehouse FilmFest is an international film festival dedicated to rewarding filmmakers from all over the world. We are running our next live event on 28th June 2025 with back to back screening of selected entries and an award ceremony at the end of the day to announce the winners.
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Sykehouse Film - Writers's Conference
The CASA CINE 2026 music residency is aimed at film composers interested in developing feature film projects. The program is open internationally, welcoming participants from any nationality, and focuses on creating original soundtracks for fiction, documentary, or animation films.
Applications for composers are open from January 15 to February 15, 2026. The residency will take place from May 6 to 29, 2026 at the Château de la Napoule in France, coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival. During this period, selected participants will work intensively on their film compositions, receiving specialized mentorship and opportunities to collaborate with screenwriters and filmmakers.
The program is designed to strengthen cinematic composition skills within an international and creative environment, providing space for artistic development and project presentation to industry professionals. The residency focuses exclusively on feature films, excluding series and short films.
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Composers’ Residency – CASA CINE
The IBF Classic call from the IDFA Bertha Fund targets filmmakers from selected countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania working on creative documentaries. It aims to support projects in development, production, or post-production. The call primarily accepts feature-length documentaries, though some short films may qualify if they meet quality and country criteria. Series, interactive projects, or academic content are not eligible.
Applications for the 2026 round close on February 10, 2026. After review by experts and a selection committee, results are generally announced in April or May, at which point selected filmmakers receive funding. There is no formal award ceremony, but funded projects may be showcased at festivals or industry markets for visibility.
The program focuses on supporting high-quality documentary productions with international potential, offering financial support and industry exposure.
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IBF Classic - IDFA
