Pitching Buddy 🎬

BFN AI Lab 🔴 What worked — and what didn’t? ⏰ 13.04.2026 — 20:00 (CET) 🟨 The Belarusian Filmmakers’ Network (BFN) invites you to a new episode of the online series 🔴 BFN:Live — an open discussion on the results of the AI Lab and an honest attempt to understand what actually happened in practice. 🟨 In this stream, we’ll go beyond surface-level results and talk about real experience: where AI proved to be a useful tool, and where it became a limitation. We’ll break down mistakes, expectations, and key takeaways that matter for anyone working with film and new technologies. This is not a showcase — it’s a critical reflection, without hype, on whether AI has a place in auteur cinema? In the stream: 🎙 Rina Zialyonaya — director 🎙 Arseni Bogunov — director & AI-creator 🎙 Yauhen Lytkin — director, producer, host of BFN:Live 🟨 Who is this for? #filmmakers, #screenwriters, #producers, #auteurcinema, #AI, #indiefilm, #filmcommunity ⏭️ JOIN THE STREAM ⏮️

What’s next? 🔴 A STREAM on Barcamp+ results and key insights for those who couldn’t attend ⏰ 1.04.2026 — 20:00 (CET) 🟨 The Belarusian Filmmakers’ Network (BFN) invites you to a new episode of our online series 🔴 BFN:Live — an open conversation about how Barcamp+ went and what actually remains after such events. 🟨 Barcamp+ is a gathering of Belarusian filmmakers, a space for open exchange, discussions, and collaboration. In this stream, we’ll go beyond impressions and focus on real takeaways: what participants gained from the barcamp, which ideas, connections, and decisions proved truly valuable — and how you can apply them in your own work, even if you weren’t there. We’ll also talk about networking, open discussion formats, and the role of such gatherings in building a film community. In the stream: 🎙 Andrei Kashperski — director, screenwriter, and showrunner 🎙 Liza Chernik — director, co-founder of the video production company sortofcinema 🎙 Yauheni Lytkin — director, producer, host of BFN:Live 🟨 Who is this for? #filmmakers, #screenwriters, #producers, #filmschool_students, #creators, #filmcommunity, #networking ⏭️ JOIN THE STREAM ⏮️

What is auteur cinema in the age of artificial intelligence? 🔴 A STREAM about new challenges and experiments in filmmaking ⏰ 3.12.2025 - 20:00 (CET) 🗣 Stream & discussion in Russian 🟨 The Belarusian Filmmakers’ Network (BFN) invites you to a special edition of our online series 🔴 BFN:Live — an open conversation about how the language of cinema is changing, what AI can (and cannot) offer to filmmakers, and why our new AI Lab contest is about exploration rather than “pretty generated images.” 🟨 During the stream, we’ll talk about what distinguishes cinema from short-form content, why filmmaking is about meaning, structure, and dramaturgy — not just effects — and how AI fits into this landscape. We’ll discuss whether AI can expand the filmmaker’s expressive tools or, conversely, threaten the author’s voice. We’ll also dive into the micro-budget filmmaking experience and creative path of Vladimir Kozlov. In the stream: 🎙 Vladimir Kozlov — writer, journalist, translator, film director, micro-budget cinema author 🎙 Andrei Polupanov — director, producer, cinematographer, composer 🎙 Yauheni Lytkin — film director, producer, host of BFN:Live 🟨 Who is this stream for? #filmmakers, #screenwriters, #producers, #creators_in_exile, #filmschool_students, #artists_exploring_AI, #cinephiles, #researchers_of_film_language ⏭️ JOIN THE STREAM ⏮️

BFN opens applications for the AI Filmmaking Lab ✨ ⏰ Deadline — 5 December 2025, at 23:59 (Minsk time). We are launching a new programme in which we will explore artificial intelligence tools and how they can help directors create short films even with minimal resources. To participate, you need to fill out the form and provide: • a short motivation letter; • an idea for a short film (up to 5 minutes). Ten authors will develop scripts for their projects. From them, five participants will be selected for the lab. What will participants receive? • training in AI tools • access to paid licences • consultations from director Uladzimir Kazlou and BFN experts • the opportunity to realise their film within the programme ⏭️ APPLY HERE ⏮️ ❕ Applications are accepted in Belarusian and Russian. ————————— The project is supported by the ArtPower Belarus program and funded by the European Union.

EAST DOC PLATFORM 2026 🇨🇿 Czech Republic ⏰ Deadline: November 14, 2025 East Doc Platform invites #documentary_films and #factual_series at all stages (development, production, post-production, completed) from Central & Eastern Europe—and international projects thematically tied to the region. The event happens March 19–25, 2026 in Prague. ◼️ Why Apply? Access to East Doc Forum (5-day pitch training + one-on-one meetings) and East Doc Market (tailored industry meetings). ◼️ Submission Fee: Free (application is without charge) ℹ️ mamaeva@dokweb.net ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

MIDPOINT FEATURE LAUNCH 2026 🇨🇿 Czech Republic (global eligibility) ⏰ Deadline: October 13, 2025 The MIDPOINT Feature Launch 2026 program supports creative teams—including #writers, #director–producers, and #script_consultant trainees—developing their first or second feature film. It offers an intensive, multi-stage development journey with industry mentorship and showcases at Karlovy Vary IFF and connecting cottbus. Key benefits include training modules, feedback cycles, and access to co-production strategies. ◼️ Why Apply? Gain expert guidance from leading European mentors, refine your project through workshops and online consultations, and compete for major awards like the Eurimages Co-production Development Award (€20,000), the MIDPOINT Development Award (€10,000), as well as invitations to Rotterdam Lab and connecting cottbus. ◼️ Fees & Structure: - Online Feedback Session: €100 per project - Workshops 1–3: €1,800 per participant (includes tuition, board, and accommodation) - Company Time module: €300 (includes tuition and accommodation) - Travel costs are not covered. Payments can be made in installments. ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

FIPADOC INTERNATIONAL PITCHES 2026 🇫🇷 France (Biarritz) ⏰ Deadline: October 3, 2025 Fipadoc International Pitches invites #documentary projects to pitch before 60+ international funders during the festival’s Industry Days, held January 28-29, 2026 in Biarritz. ◼️ Why Apply? Selected teams receive a booster workshop, individual meetings with decision-makers, and compete for awards like Dotimages (€3,000), Docs Up Fund (€2,500), and others. ◼️ Submission Fees: Free (special conditions apply: free for filmmakers from Portugal, Palestine, Ukraine; 50% discount for Spain) ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

POP UP FILM RESIDENCY – EURIMAGES 2025 🇱🇹 Lithuania (Vilnius) ⏰ Deadline: October 1, 2025 Pop Up Film #Residency in partnership with Eurimages supports experienced #women filmmakers developing their 3rd or later #feature film. The residency runs November 24 – December 14, 2025 in Vilnius, and includes a one-on-one mentorship. ◼️ Why Apply? Gain undistracted time to develop your script or film, receive professional mentorship, and join a network spotlighting gender equity in cinema. ◼️ Eligibility & Hashtags • Women filmmakers from Eurimages member countries • Must have directed/written at least two previous feature films • Must be working on their third or later feature project ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

DISCOVERY CO-PRODUCTION PLATFORM 2026 🇸🇪 Sweden ⏰ Deadline: October 10, 2025 The Discovery Co-Production Platform at the Nordic Film Market (part of Gothenburg Film Festival) invites #feature_film projects in development from Nordic production companies (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, including Faroe Islands, Greenland, Åland) to showcase their work during the market happening January 28–30, 2026. ◼️ Why Apply? Selected projects will be presented to over 500 industry professionals—sales agents, distributors, producers, financiers, festival programmers—offering tailored networking, one-on-one meetings, and visibility at the region’s leading marketplace. ◼️ Submission Requirements: - Feature-length fiction films in development - At least one confirmed financing source (e.g. development grant) - No attached sales agent - Not previously pitched at another Nordic industry event ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

From Minsk to Hollywood: How to Build a Film Career Abroad? 🔴 LIVE STREAM on the international experience of Belarusian filmmakers ⏰ 25.9, 20:00 (GMT+2) 🗣 Stream & discussion in Russian 🟨 The Belarusian Filmmakers Network (BFN) invites you to the new episode of 🔴 BFN:Live — an open discussion about how Belarusians are finding their path in global cinema. 🟨 Our guests will share their experience of working in the USA and Europe, talk about studying in American film schools, explore the specifics of the film market, and discuss how to make films and build a career beyond Belarus. In the stream: 🎙 Darya Zhuk — film director 🎙 Yauhen Lytkin — director, producer, host of BFN:Live 🎙 Andrei Polupanov — director, producer, cinematographer, composer, co-host of the stream 🟨 Who should join? #directors, #screenwriters, #producers, #filmstudents, #creatives who dream of an international career, #filmfans ⏭️ JOIN THE STREAM ⏮️

BERLINALE CO-PRODUCTION MARKET 2025 – FOR INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WITHOUT A PROJECT 🇩🇪 Germany ⏰ Deadline: Early autumn (exact date to be announced) Experienced producers and financiers who are not submitting a project but seek to discover and co-produce new international film or series projects can participate in the Berlinale Co-Production Market without entry of their own project. Applications are accepted via a special link requested from the organizers in autumn. Participants can engage fully in networking, including one-on-one meetings with selected feature film and drama series projects. ◼️ Why Apply? Gain access to curated networking opportunities with producers, financiers, and distributors, without needing to present your own project. Ideal for industry professionals looking to collaborate on others’ projects and expand their networks. ◼️ Application Process: Request the special “apply without project” link via email to coproductionmarket@berlinale.de in autumn. ◼️ Eligibility: Open to experienced producers and financiers interested in discovering new projects and connecting with project representatives. ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

BERLINALE CO-PRO SERIES MARKET 2025 🇩🇪 Germany ⏰ Deadline: October 1, 2025 The Co-Pro Series Market at the European Film Market (EFM) invites creators of #drama_series to submit projects for this key networking event. ◼️ Why Apply? Finalists will be invited to pitch their series in Berlin in February 2026 and connect with international co-producers, financiers, and distributors. ◼️ Submission Fees: Free to apply (Industry-standard registration for EFM applies.) ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

FILM INDUSTRY FORUM 2025 🇨🇦 Canada ⏰ Deadline: rolling (accreditation open) Film Industry Forum at the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival invites #directors, #producers, and #writers to join panels, masterclasses, pitching sessions, and networking events in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. ◼️ Why Apply? Gain access to international experts, build professional connections, and showcase your work at one of Canada’s leading industry platforms. ◼️ Submission Fees: Free (SJIWFF accreditation required). ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

BERLINALE CO-PRODUCTION MARKET 2025 🇩🇪 Germany ⏰ Deadline: September 17, 2025 (12:00 CET) The Berlinale Co-Production Market is a core component of the European Film Market, offering a high-impact networking platform for producers, financiers, sales agents, and distributors to discover roughly 20 pre-selected international feature film projects. ◼️ Why Apply? Selected projects gain access to one-on-one meetings with potential co-producers and financiers, and are showcased within a high-profile marketplace attended by around 600 international industry professionals. ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

WORKS IN PROGRESS 2025 🇪🇪 Estonia ⏰ Deadline: September 15, 2025 Works in Progress (Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event) invites submissions of #feature and #animation films in #post_production. ◼️ Why Apply? Pitch your project to top sales agents, buyers, and festival programmers in Tallinn, November 20–21, 2025. ◼️ Submission Fee: €185 (includes pitching prep, accommodation, and full Industry@Tallinn access). Ukraine & Focus countries: €25 admin fee only. ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

Micro-Budget Filmmaking: How to Shoot in Today’s Realities? 🔴 LIVE STREAM about cinema without big investments ⏰ 10.9, 20:00 (GMT+2) 🗣 Stream & discussion in Russian 🟨 The Belarusian Filmmakers Network (BFN) invites you to the new episode of 🔴 BFN:Live — an open discussion about how films can be made in Belarus today and reach festivals even with limited resources. 🟨 Our guests will share their experience and real-life stories, and also talk about how the BFN Micro-Budget Film Incubator works and what opportunities it opens up for creators. In the stream: 🎙 Yauhen Lytkin — director, producer, host of BFN:Live 🎙 Vladimir Kozlov — writer, director, screenwriter 🎙 Aliaksandr Horоdko — director 🟨 Who should join? #directors, #screenwriters, #producers, #filmstudents, #creatives interested in independent cinema, #arthouse_fans ⏭️ JOIN THE STREAM ⏮️

WARSAW CO-PRODUCTION FORUM 2025 🇵🇱 Poland ⏰ Deadline: September 10, 2025 Part of Warsaw Industry Days (October 13–18), the Warsaw Co-Production Forum supports #Development and #WorkInProgress feature film projects from Central & Eastern Europe seeking international co-production and distribution. ◼️ Eligibility & Hashtags: - Feature-length fiction (60+ min) in #development. First- to third-time directors only; debuts must have a short film with festival recognition. - Projects must be seeking #co_production and have international appeal. - Lead producer from CEE; others eligible only if co-producing with Poland. - At least 20% of the budget confirmed in advance is preferred. - Advanced script or treatment required in English. - Projects previously presented at other European co-production markets are excluded. ◼️ Why Apply? Gain access to script consultants, pitching workshops, and #one_to_one meetings with industry professionals. The forum covers accreditation and accommodation for two representatives (#director + #producer). ◼️ Submission Fee: Not specified (likely part of general Warsaw Industry Days accreditation). ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

Casting: How to Get Into Film? 🔴 LIVE STREAM on Belarusian and International Experience ⏰ 4.9, 20:00 (GMT+2) 🗣 Stream & discussion in Russian 🟨 The Belarusian Filmmakers Network (BFN) invites you to the new episode of 🔴 BFN:Live — an open conversation about how casting works in Belarus and abroad, and what actors, directors, and producers should know about the process. 🟨 Our guests will share their experiences, insights, and stories about how the selection process works, common mistakes, and what it takes to get noticed in European and international film projects. In the stream: 🎙 Yauhen Lytkin — director, producer, host of BFN:Live 🎙 Nella Ahrenich — director, screenwriter, actress 🎙 Olga Travkina — casting director, CEO Casting Hub, producer 🟨 Who should join? #actors, #directors, #producers, #filmstudents, #creatives aiming for international film projects, #behindthescenes_fans ⏭️ JOIN THE STREAM ⏮️

GREEN FILM LAB – LISBON 2025 🇵🇹 Portugal ⏰ Deadline: 12 September 2025, 14:00 CET Green Film Lab is a three-day intensive workshop for film and series professionals, sustainability consultants, producers, department heads, writers, and directors— with or without a project—aimed at promoting #sustainable_production and environmental best practices in the audiovisual industry. Professionals with experience in #environmental_management or film industry sustainability, and delegates from funds and institutions interested in green practices, are welcome to apply. Priority given to those based in Portugal or planning to shoot there. ◼️ Why Apply? Gain hands-on guidance on applying green protocols, certification strategies, and sustainable set-management techniques from international experts, including Louise Marie Smith, Lucie Trémolières, and Dörte Schneider Garcia Portugal Film Commission. ◼️ Participation Fee: €300 (+ VAT). Training and meals are covered; travel and accommodation are not. ◼️ Scholarships: ACE Producers & EAVE — scholarship covering half the fee. Ecoprod — full scholarship for participants who completed the StepUp online course. ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️

STUDIO21 MICRO‑DRAMA SCRIPT COMPETITION 2025 ⏰ Deadline: September 17, 2025 Studio21 Micro‑Drama #Script Competition 2025 invites writers to submit a pilot script of a micro‑drama #series (2–5 min / episode, total expected 40–60 eps). Open to #fiction genre projects created by individuals or writing #teams. ◼️ Why Apply? Opportunity to form a development deal with Studio21, gain exposure at Content London, compete for a £2,000 prize and receive consultancy from Script Angel ◼️ Submission Fee: £30 ⏭️ SUBMIT NOW ⏮️