OPEN CALL for film students and projects: NEXTDOOR NETWORKING 2026
OPEN CALL for Film Students and Projects
NEXTDOOR NETWORKING – Training and International Co-production Project Development Program
Aiming to support young talents and professionals in their first steps in film industry, ITP opens a call for students in Film Directing, Scriptwriting, Film Production, and Film Criticism and their projects.
The NEXTDOOR NETWORKING initiative is part of the FILMER FORGE industry program of IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival and presents an intensive training, followed by the opportunity for international co-production project development and a pitch.
The program runs parallel to the upcoming 2026 festival edition of IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival and strives to develop a productive networking environment for the participants, as they are the newest generation of filmmakers; it aims to support their competitiveness and provide opportunities for better access to the film industry.
The NEXTDOOR NETWORKING program is now welcoming applications from:
- final-year university students in Film Directing / Scriptwriting / Film Production / Film Criticism
- from: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine
The program offers:
- intensive training with practical value;
- opportunities for co-production film project development and pitching;
- financial support for a co-production film project and further development opportunities;
- industry accreditation for the 23rd IN THE PALACE ISFF in Pernik, Bulgaria (25 – 28 June 2026), and access to all festival programs and events;
- long-term career opportunities and more.
Accommodation and subsistence for participants are covered by the project.
For other benefits and program requirements, please follow the link to the call
For more information about the NEXTDOOR NETWORKING`s idea, context and objectives, please check here
For more information about the FILMER FORGE industry program, please check here
If you are still looking for more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email: filmerforge@inthepalace.com
