FILMER FORGE PITCH
 by IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival

 
ABOUT

FILMER FORGE is the industry program of IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival. It includes educational modules, industry meetings, a short film co-production market, pitching training and sessions, an interdisciplinary conference, and a range of formal and informal networking opportunities.

The platform brings together emerging and established filmmakers, producers, distributors, agents, broadcasters, exhibitors, festival programmers, and representatives of funding bodies.

FILMER FORGE PITCH is an international session for the public presentation of short film projects in any stage of development. The initiative provides participants with opportunities to find new collaborators and/or compete for a financial grant to support their projects. FILMER FORGE PITCH includes pitching training held by EAVE, a pitching session, and networking opportunities.

STRUCTURE

FILMER FORGE PITCH consists of:

• Pitching training for selected participants

Pitching trainings sessions are held prior to the pitching sessions to help participants enrich their experience.  International tutors – active film industry professionals – are invited to share their expertise in public presentations and to guide participants on how to improve their pitching skills. 
 
The 2026 FILMER FORGE pitching trainer is Sarah Schlüssel – a cultural manager, film programmer, and head of the Short Form Station platform at Berlinale Talents (Berlinale Film Festival). She is also a member of its selection committee. Schlüssel’s workshop will provide the knowledge, skills, and guidance needed to deliver stronger and more effective pitches – essential tools for any producer aiming for a successful career in today’s film industry.
 

• Pitching session

International filmmakers, writers, and producers seeking production, co-production, funding, and development opportunities for their current or upcoming short film are invited to apply. Selected projects will be presented to an international jury assigned and a professional audience of industry experts.

The Pitch

For both pitching panels, each project representative or team will have 7 minutes to present their project, followed by additional 7 min for questions from the panel.  The competition will focus on the originality of the concept, the artistic and production potential, and the effectiveness of the pitch itself.
 
The session also offers networking and co-production opportunities with potentially interested collaborators.

ELIGIBILITY
 
Who can apply:

• Film professionals who seek producing, co-producing, funding, and development opportunities for their current or upcoming short film.
• Participants from all countries are eligible to submit a short film project.
• Producers or legal rights holders are the only parties authorized to submit projects.
   
   
  Project criteria:
• Short film projects in any stage of development (including concept/idea) are eligible.
• Maximum estimated duration of the accepted short film projects must not exceed 30 min.
• Genres accepted: Fiction, animation, and documentary.
• Secured third-party funding is not a requirement for submission.

INCENTIVES / AWARDS

• A financial grant of € 6, 000 for production expenses
• One spot on the selection shortlist for MIDPOINT Shorts 2026-2027 for one of the awarded projects pitched at FILMER FORGE
• A premiere screening in competition at the next edition of Oscar® Qualifying IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival

DEADLINE

MAY 20th 2026
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TAKE PART
 
STEP 1. Please, provide us with an Application Package of the short film project, containing the following materials:
 
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 EURO
1.5.      Confirmation of secured funding (letter of intent, positive notice, grant, etc.) - 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, etc.)
1.8.      Producer`s CV (incl. filmography, if applicable)
1.9.      Producer`s Photo (preferably 300 ppi - print quality)
1.10.    Director`s CV (incl. 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, etc.) 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 Package 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:

• Meeting the eligibility criteria
• Providing all requested information and materials
   
  By submitting a project to FILMER FORGE PITCH 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