Launchpad open call

Launchpad is a new initiative that aims to support and facilitate access for emerging professionals to a network of film festivals throughout the year, including Locarno Film Festival, Thessalonikki International Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The programme targets those working in sales, marketing, distribution, exhibition, programming, funding and/or commissioning.

Interested in expanding your network and experiencing five of the most dynamic and reputable film festivals in Europe? Each partner is selecting a maximum of 10 emerging film professionals through their open calls. For this first edition of Launchpad, IFFR is opening a call for applications to emerging film professionals based in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.  

The film still above is from Delivery Dancer's Sphere dir. Ayoung Kim, Tiger Short Competition 2023. 

What we offer

• Complimentary IFFR Pro accreditation for the 2024 edition
• Industry accreditation with in-person and/or online access to partner festivals throughout 2024
• For those attending the events in person, a list of festival highlights to guide you through the programmes
• A yearly global online get-together with the whole Launchpad community. 

Please note: we do not offer accommodation nor travel expenses. 

Eligibility criteria

• You should be working in one of the following fields within the film industry: sales, marketing, distribution (traditional or online), exhibition, programming, funding and/or commissioning.

• Be based in the Netherlands, Belgium or Luxembourg
• Be able to attend International Film Festival Rotterdam in person for a significant part of the IFFR Pro Days: Friday 26 January – Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Selection criteria

All applications will be assessed based on the applicant’s achievements and, especially, on their motivations for applying for such an opportunity.

Required documentation

Please submit a completed application form with the following attachments:

• An up-to-date CV, with both professional and academic qualifications
• A letter of motivation explaining why you’re applying to Launchpad, what you expect to gain from the opportunity, how this network of film professionals can help you grow and what you can bring to this year’s cohort.  

All aforementioned documents must be submitted at the moment of applying. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. Results will be communicated by the end of 2023.

Any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Submit your application 

Applications are now closed.