Berlinale Talents Open Call

About the Open Call

Berlinale Talents is the talent development programme of the Berlin International Film Festival, with a project development lab, the Berlinale Talents Lab, the Talent Project Market and an onsite Summit with panels, discussions, workshops and networking opportunities during the Berlinale each February. Berlinale Talents is aimed at filmmakers, series and XR content creators with an existing track record of work, open to over 15 film disciplines. Participation focuses on sharing and interaction among participants. This page provides eligibility details and application overview for the Summit, Berlinale Talents Lab, and Talent Project Market.

What is Offered

Participation in a talent development programme including a project development lab (Berlinale Talents Lab), a talent project market, an onsite Summit with panels, discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Opportunities to present projects to co-producers and financiers, gain insights into international co-productions, and meet potential partners. Access to expert guidance and peer interaction.

Requirements

Open to filmmakers, series and XR content creators with an existing track record of work, across over 15 film disciplines including Actor, Cinematographer, Composer, Costume Designer, Digital Set Designer, Director, Distributor, Editor, Film Critic / Journalist, Marketing Professional, Producer, Production Designer, Programmer / Curator, Sales Agent, Screenwriter, Sound Designer. Applicants must complete a general application and specific project-based applications if applying for the Lab or Project Market. Requires submission of a work sample and various project documents like treatments, scripts, financing plans, and director's statements.

How to Apply

Check your eligibility using the tool provided on the website. Then, apply for Berlinale Talents 2026 via the online portal. The application involves completing a general application form, which includes personal data, filmography (optional), career milestones, and a questionnaire. A sample of work corresponding to your main field of work, around 3 minutes long, must be uploaded. Depending on the chosen program (Talent Project Market, Feature length documentary, Fiction feature film or series concept, Short fiction/documentary/Hybrids/VR), additional project presentations and specific PDF uploads are required, such as treatments, scripts, financing plans, moodboards, director's samples, or published reviews. All uploaded documents should adhere to specified page limits, file sizes, and formatting (e.g., English language, 12pt font, 1.5 spacing). External links for visual material must remain active until mid-December.