Darkroom project submission

Regulations and selection criteria

• Eligibility criteria

  Projects submitted to Darkroom 2026 must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered:

  • The project must have been supported by IFFR in any of the following:
    • Supported by the Hubert Bals Fund (HBF) through any of its funding schemes.
    • Formerly presented at BoostNL.
    • Formerly presented at CineMart.
    • The project’s main producer or main co-producer has been a Rotterdam Lab participant.

  • The project should not have a sales agent attached.
  • Participation in Darkroom should be the project’s first work-in-progress showcase. 
  • Projects should not have a confirmed world or international premiere by the moment of the application. If this changes after selection at a winter festival, applicants must inform the Darkroom team immediately to check how this affects their eligibility.

  Projects that do not meet all the above criteria will be considered ineligible for Darkroom 2026.

• General conditions and project requirements

  • Projects must meet the eligibility criteria above.
  • Projects must be either a feature film (intended to be longer than 60 minutes) or an immersive media project.
  • The project can be from all parts of the world.
  • Projects should be nearing completion or recently completed.
  • Projects should have a sequence ready to showcase to a selected industry audience in a dedicated project presentation during the market.
  • All information provided should be in English. If the language spoken in the film is not English, the submitted excerpt or preview must include English subtitles.
  • The project must have a team of both a director and a producer attached.

  The selection committee’s decisions can not be appealed.

  Please consult our FAQ carefully for detailed information and examples.

• Selection process

  • Fill in the form through the link at the bottom of this page. This form will allow you to include detailed project information, as well as a preview. Please make sure to check the Eligibility Criteria & General Regulations first. The deadline is 19 October 2025.
  • During the selection process, the project’s contact person as indicated in the submission might be contacted in case extra information is needed to assess the project.
  • In late November, the Darkroom selection committee will reach a decision on all submitted projects. The contact person indicated in the submission form will receive the decision by email.

• Specific conditions

  • Once a project has been selected, both the director and producer(s) must be present during the five days of Darkroom. 
  • Darkroom offers one hotel room for the duration of the market.
  • Finished projects should mention Darkroom or display its logo in their credits. The Darkroom logo will be sent to the makers or editors upon request.