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28 Jan – 7 Feb 2027

Rotterdam Lab open call 2027

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Are you an emerging producer based in Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) or a European country with low production capacity? Apply now for one of up to five extra places at the Rotterdam Lab producers’ workshop during IFFR 2027. The deadline is Monday 26 October 2026.

Rotterdam Lab is an annual training workshop for international film producers, part of the IFFR Pro industry days of the festival alongside the world-renowned CineMart project market, the Darkroom works-in-progress programme, immersive market platform Lightroom and the Pro Hub and Reality Check activities. 

In its 27th edition, the Rotterdam Lab hosts more than 75 producers and creators nominated by partner organisations from around the world. The purpose is to offer emerging professionals the means to build and develop their network, providing confidence, tools and skills to navigate the world of international film financing, production, sales, marketing, festivals and distribution. 

Once again, with the financial support of Creative Europe MEDIA strand, we’re launching an open call for participation, with a maximum of five spots available for selected producers. This year’s call introduces a new regional focus and is open to film producers based in Africa, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), and European countries with low production capacity (according to Creative Europe Media).

Regulations

  • Eligibility criteria

    We aim to use the open call to maximise the plurality of voices, backgrounds and experiences in the Rotterdam Lab cohort, giving particular attention to countries and regions not yet served by existing partner organisations.

    To further support this aim, the open call will adopt a regional focus, with Africa and the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) as the focus of this edition. Therefore, we invite applications from:

    • Film producers based in Africa and the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).
    • Film producers based in a European low production capacity country* that is not currently represented by one of our partner organisations. 
    • Producers who have made at least two short films and are currently working on their first or second feature film, with the aim of co-producing internationally.
    • Producers with a strong interest in working internationally who can clearly demonstrate a need to expand their international network.

    Applicants may be independent producers working for their own companies, freelancers, or junior producers working for more established production companies. There are no age restrictions.

    *European low production capacity countries according to Creative Europe Media: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tunisia and Ukraine.

  • Selection criteria

    All applications will be assessed based on the quality of the application, the applicant’s professional motivation and relevant learning goals. Read the required documentation below.

  • Required documentation

    The application consists of a completed form with the following attachments:

    • An up-to-date CV, with both professional and academic qualifications.
    • A letter of motivation which should explain why you want to build and expand your international network, the experiences and knowledge you could bring to the cohort, and the practical knowledge and skills in co-production, marketing, post-production or financing you wish to grow. Please include the context of your local/national industry if you think it helps us better understand your motivation. 
    • Optionally, you can include a portfolio or dossier of no more than four pages with complementary materials.

    All documentation must be submitted via our submission link at the time of the application. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

  • What we offer

    • Participation in the Rotterdam Lab programme
    • Six nights of hotel accommodation
    • IFFR 2027 CineMart accreditation granting access to:
      • CineMart meetings 
      • CineMart breakfasts
      • CineMart lunches 
      • Daily networking drinks 
      • Up to 20 festival screening tickets (including P&I screenings and Art Directions programme)
      • Filmmakers & Industry party
      • IFFR Pro Awards.

    Please note: we do not offer travel expenses. Selected participants must be able to self-finance travel to and from Rotterdam. We will provide official invitations as required for visa purposes.

Apply

Applicants should submit their completed application by 23.59 CEST on 26 October 2026. Results will be communicated by mid-November 2026.

Contact

For any further questions about Rotterdam Lab, contact Talent Manager Facundo Lema.

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