Rules and Regulations
NEXTDOOR NETWORKING
FILM STUDENTS TRAINING AND INTERNATIONAL CO-PRODUCTION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IS NOW
OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
The NEXTDOOR NETWORKING initiative is part of FILMER FORGE industry program of IN THE PALACE. It offers intensive training followed by an international co-production project development lab and pitching session. The program runs parallel to the upcoming 2026 edition of the IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival. It strives to create a productive networking environment for the newest generation of filmmakers, supporting their competitiveness and providing better access to the global film industry.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Dates: 25-28 June 2026
Location: Pernik, Bulgaria
Objective: To add partical value and thus enhance the participants' academic training in Film Directing, Scriptwriting, Film Production, and Film Criticism through intensive labs and active networking.
Activities: Guided by international tutors, participants will further develop their international co-production projects. The program concludes with a pitching session before industry decision-makers at the 23rd IN THE PALACE in 2026.
Costs: Accommodation and subsistence for participants are covered by the project.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
- Final-year university students in Film Directing / Scriptwriting / Film Production / Film Criticism
- Eligible countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
- Format: National teams or individual participants may apply with a film project that has the potential for international co-production with any of the other participating countries.
BENEFITS
TO ALL PARTICIPANTS:
- Intensive training with high practical value
- Professional networking and new contacts
- Industry accreditation for the 23rd IN THE PALACE in Pernik, Bulgaria (25 – 28 June 2026), including access to all festival programs and events
TO ONE AWARDED FILM PROJECT: - € 1,000 for production expenses;
- Premiere screening of the completed work at the next edition of Oscar®-qualifying IN THE PALACE;
- Promotion at the Short Film Market (Clermont-Ferrand ISFF) and The Marché du Film (Cannes) as part of the IN THE PALACE’s annual presence
TO ALL PARTICIPATING FILM PROJECTS: - Exposure in IN THE PALACE’s video library for viewing by accredited professionals;
- Full accreditation for the 24th IN THE PALACE in 2027, including free access and invitations to all professional events for all project team members.
TO FILM CRITICS PARTICIPANTS:
Opportunities to actively engage with an international event through:
- Reporting on the festival’s Official Selection and NEXTDOOR NETWORKING’s student film projects;
- Moderating Q&A sessions and discussions with filmmakers;
- Publishing news, reviews, and critical essays in English and their native languages in local and international online media;
- Contributing to the IN THE PALACE’s journal, gaining exposure at the Clermont-Ferrand and Cannes film markets;
- Receiving full accreditation for the 24th IN THE PALACE in 2027, with free access to all professional events;
Publishing content on IN THE PALACE’s blog as a paid professional engagement for one year (for the most outstanding participants).
DEADLINE
23 MAY 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted from:
- Individual applicants meeting the program requirements.
- Crews (Director, Scriptwriter, Producer) applying as a team.
- Institutions (Film schools or National Film Centers) organizing internal selections.
To discuss collaborations with film schools or institutions, please contact: filmerforge@inthepalace.com
APPLICATION STEPS
STEP 1. Prepare materials
for APPLICANTS WITHOUT A PROJECT
1. Application Form (please download and fill in the form)
2. Applicant`s Biography/CV
3. References to their previous work (Film Criticism/Film Studies/Film History applicants: provide up to 3 reviews or articles, or other form of author artistic review/comment)
for APPLICANTS WITH A PROJECT
1. An Application Package, including the following elements:
1.1. Application Form (please download and fill in the form)
1.2. Synopsis
1.3. Script or Treatment
1.4. Financing plan in EUR
1.5. Confirmation of secured funding (letter of intent, positive notice, grant) - if applicable
1.6. Producer’s note of intention and production strategy
1.7. Director’s note of intention incl. statement of artistic choices (image, sound, music, cast)
1.8. Producer`s CV (incl. filmography, if applicable)
1.9. Producer`s Photo (preferably 300 ppi - print quality)
1.10. Director`s CV (including filmography)
1.11. Director`s Photo (preferably 300 ppi - print quality)
1.12. Company profile and selected filmography (if applicable)
1.13. Any visuals (moodboard, storyboard, locations, rough cut, animatic) that would support the application
2. Participant’s Info (please, provide for each participant)
2.1. Contact information, incl. email and phone number
2.2. Role in the project
2.3. Participant`s photo (preferably 300 ppi - print quality)
STEP 2. Please, upload the application files by the deadline – instructions you can find here (please download)
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Film projects will be considered only if they comply with the following:
1.Meeting the eligibility criteria
2. Providing all requested information and materials
By submitting a project to NEXTDOOR NETWORKING applicants commit to attending the event in person if selected.
Please, do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or require further assistance: filmerforge@inthepalace.com
