Each project team or representative will have a maximum of seven minutes to present their work.

The presentation order will be randomly assigned.

All pitches must be conducted in English.

 
Program Structure

 
Stage 1: Pitch Training

Stage 2: Pitching Sessions

Stage 3: One-on-One Meetings

The program includes two phases of one-on-one meetings following the pitching sessions:

Phase 1: Speed Dating with Panelists
To ensure that every project receives feedback, the program introduces "speed dating" sessions. Project representatives will meet individually with each jury member from the Filmer Forge Pitch panel.

Phase 2 (by invitation): Meetings with Potential Collaborators
Additional meetings may be arranged for projects that generate interest from industry professionals.

 
Eligibility Criteria

 
Applications are open to film professionals seeking opportunities in production, co-production, funding, and development for their upcoming short films.

• Projects must be in the pre-production stage.
• All genres are eligible.
• External funding is not required to submit an application.
• Applicants must have either:
  • A formal education in filmmaking (e.g., Directing, Producing, Scriptwriting, etc.)
    
    or
  • A track record of at least two completed short films that have been officially selected for international film festivals.

Required Submission Materials

 
Please provide a link to a zipped folder named after your short film project, containing the following materials:

1. Synopsis, treatment, and script.
2. Director/writer details: Short biography, photo, and contact information (phone and email).
3. Director’s artistic statement: Vision for the film, including approach to visuals, sound, music, and casting.
4. Production company (if applicable): Biography and selected filmography.
5. Producer’s details: Short biography, photo, and contact information.
6. Producer’s statement and production strategy.
7. Proof of secured funding (if applicable) – e.g., letters of intent, grants, or positive notices.
8. Supporting visuals (e.g., storyboard, locations, rough cut, animatic).
   
   ⚠️ All materials must be submitted in English. ⚠️

 
Award

 
The winning short film project will receive a cash prize of 10,000 BGN.

Application Deadline

To be announced.

Please submit the required materials and the completed application form (attached below) to:
filmerforge@inthepalace.com

 
Important Notes

Submissions will only be considered if they meet the following requirements:

1. Compliance with eligibility criteria.
2. Submission of all required materials.

By applying to Filmer Forge Pitch, applicants commit to attending the event in person if selected. Each project may be represented by up to two team members.