Call for Projects 2026
Applications for the 7th edition of the CETC are now open!
The Cutting Edge Talent Camp will be held during the 75th International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg in November 2026.
We are now accepting applications from film directors and producers who are currently studying at, or are alumni, of any German film or art school. Applicants should be working on their first or second feature project, and be ready to take their first steps into the international market by presenting their work to key industry players.
The workshop is designed to help you navigate between the various festivals, labs, co-producers and sales agents as well as to develop the best strategies for preparing, making, financing, presenting and distributing your feature film.
Please find information on the selected projects of the past editions and their success storieshere!
The dates:
- Online: November 3 - 11, 2026 (5-6 classes during these days)
- Onsite: November 12 - 15, 2026 in Mannheim (full days)
What we can offer:
- A 10 day intensive workshop with international experts in small groups, including:
- pitching training
- festival, marketing and sales strategies
- round table meetings and networking events with festival and feature lab programmers, German and international film funds, producers, distributors and sales agents
- masterclass
- sessions on sustainability, healthy working environments
- accomodation for 3 nights, contribution to travel expenses to Mannheim
The criteria of the application:
- you need to be a student/alumni of a German film or art school
- you need to be a director or a producer
- you can participate at any stage of development or production of your first or second feature-length film. Ideally, you should have a good script or treatment in hand and some financing in place. Alternatively, you can participate if you are in the final stages of post-production in November and looking for the right festival strategy and/or sales and distribution ('Works in Progress').
- you need to be enthusiastic and open-minded to learn and meet people from the international film industry
The following documents are required in English:
- synopsis of the project (1-2 pages)
- treatment (if available, max. 15 pages)
- director’s statement (1 page)
- visual concept
- moodboard (if available)
- director’s bio and filmography (including most important festival participations)
- producer’s statement (1 page) (if available)
- producer’s bio and filmography (including most important festival participations)
- link(s) to director’s previous work(s)
- rough-cut of the movie, if you apply with a “Work in Progress” or note about, when it is available
- budget top sheet, brief financing plan, financing strategy
- presumed status of the project in November
- applicant’s intention note to participate at the Talent Camp and description about what you are looking for
Submission:
Please compile all documents in one pdf-dossier including all the documents in the order listed above (explain, if any of these documents are missing, otherwise the application cannot be considered for selection). Send your applicationend to cuttingedge@iffmh.de.
The submission deadline is June 30, 2026 (midnight). Selected participants will be notified by the end of August / beginning of September.
Important note:
Selected participants are required to attend all online and onsite sessions. Participation also includes homework and preparation.
We are looking forward to your applications and to seeing you in Mannheim!
If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact us.
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