Rotterdam Lab open call

Rotterdam Lab is an annual training workshop for international film producers. Taking place during IFFR, the Lab hosts more than 70 producers nominated by partners from across the world. The aim is to offer emerging professionals the means to build and develop their network, providing confidence and skills to navigate the world of international film financing, sales and distribution. 

Rotterdam Lab 2024 takes place from 27 to 31 January. 

Eligibility criteria

We aim to use the open call to maximise the plurality of voices, backgrounds and experiences in the Rotterdam Lab cohort. Therefore, we invite applications from producers who:

• identify as from an ethnically diverse and/or minority community, and/or a person of colour; and/or
  • identify as LGBTQIA+; and/or
  • identify as non binary/gender diverse person; and/or
  • have a disability; and/or
  • be from a European low production capacity country that is not currently represented by one of our partner organisations (see below).
• have made at least two short length films and be working on a (first or second) feature film with the aim to co-produce internationally.
• have a strong interest and inclination to work internationally and strongly demonstrate their need for expanding their international network.

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

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, marketing, post-production or financing you wish to grow. 
• Optionally, you can include a portfolio or dossier with complementary materials.

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

What we offer

• Participation in the Rotterdam Lab programme
• Five nights of hotel accommodation
• IFFR 2024 CineMart accreditation

Please note: we do not offer travel expenses. 

Applications are now closed 

Results will be communicated by mid-November 2023.

*European low production capacity countries according to Creative Europe Media not currently represented by one of our partners organisations: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine