The Ópera Prima LAB 2026 call from the Cartagena International Film Festival is open to filmmakers from Ibero-America, South America, and the Caribbean, accepting international submissions. The lab is designed to support first feature film or first series projects in the development stage, providing mentorship, workshops, and a final pitch to industry professionals.
Projects of any genre are accepted, including fiction, documentary, animation, or hybrid formats. Applicants must submit a complete script or written pilot, along with development materials such as synopsis and creative dossier. The program focuses on script and creative development, not on completed projects.
Submissions are open from November 26, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The lab will take place virtually from March to April 2026, with in-person sessions from April 14 to 19, 2026, during the festival in Cartagena, Colombia.
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First Feature film LAB - FICCI/a>
Porto/Post/Doc – Industry Screenings is an open call for projects in post‑production with a connection to Portugal or Galicia. The private screenings will take place on 25–26 November 2025 in Porto, within the festival’s Industry section.
Eligible works include feature‑length or medium‑length films (creative documentaries, auteur fiction, animation or hybrids) that have not yet premiered worldwide. Selected projects are shown as works in progress to international sales agents, distributors, programmers and other key industry players.
The aim is to foster co‑production, pre‑sales, and finishing or distribution deals. Attendance is required with at least one accredited representative.
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Porto/Post/Doc - Industry Screenings
Shortpitch is an activity aimed at the audiovisual short film industry. It is open to directors or production companies operating nationwide (Spain) with a project in the development or pre-production phase, including those that have previously received public and/or private funding.
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Shortpitch - skylinefest
Porto/Post/Doc – Encontros de Coprodução is a co‑production forum that connects audiovisual projects in development or pre‑production with international potential, especially linked to Portugal, Galicia, Spain, or France. Up to 12 projects are selected to present through public pitches and private meetings with co‑producers, funds, broadcasters, and industry agents on 26–27 November 2025 in Porto.
Eligible projects include feature‑length and medium‑length fiction, creative documentaries, animation, or hybrid works with an auteur and artistic focus. The goal is to foster international partnerships, financial support, and co‑productions.
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Porto/Post/Doc – Co‑production Meetings
The Sentiero Film Factory – Film Pitch is an international short film screenplay competition open to directors and screenwriters from any country. Participants can submit original screenplays of up to 20 pages in Italian or English, with no genre or style restrictions. Selected projects will have the opportunity to present a live pitch during the festival, which will take place from September 18 to 26, 2026, in Florence, Italy. Participation in the live pitch is mandatory to be eligible for awards.
The submission deadline is June 1, 2026, for all materials. This section of the festival allows creators to present their projects to producers and industry professionals, providing opportunities for development and funding. The Film Pitch focuses on direct interaction between creators and experts, fostering networking and international visibility for short film projects.
In summary, it is an ideal platform for filmmakers seeking professional support, international exposure, and the chance to turn their screenplay into a tangible audiovisual project.
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Sentiero Film Factory - FILM PITCH
