We’re thrilled to announce that submissions are now open for the Pitching Forum at the 21st edition of FEST — New Directors | New Films Festival, which will take place from June 21st to 29th, 2025, in Espinho, Portugal.
This is your chance to present your project to leading industry professionals and join a legacy of over 250 successful pitches that have gone on to secure funding and gain recognition at top festivals like Berlinale.
Who Can Apply?
The Pitching Forum is open to projects in the following formats:
- Feature-length and short films
- Series projects
Projects can be at any stage of development, from concept to post-production. We accept submissions across all genres and filmmaking techniques, including:
- Fiction
- Documentary
- Animation
- Experimental
Selection Criteria
The main factors in selecting projects include:
- The artistic merit of the project.
- Its potential for success.
- Its capacity to attract the necessary funding.
If you’re working on a bold, innovative project, the Pitching Forum is the perfect stage to bring your vision to life.
Key Dates
The Pitching Forum is divided into two phases:
-
Training Sessions (June 24–26, 2025):
- Held exclusively in-person in Espinho, Portugal.
- For representatives of the selected projects.
-
Final Pitch Sessions (June 27–28, 2025):
- Hybrid format: conducted in-person in Espinho and online.
Why Participate?
The Pitching Forum has a proven track record of connecting creators with industry leaders, resulting in partnerships, funding, and festival success.
Previous editions have featured renowned industry experts such as:
- Finola Dwyer (Producer of Brooklyn and An Education).
- Tim Corrie (Member of United Agents and former BAFTA chairman).
- Gareth Wiley (Producer of Match Point and Vicky Cristina Barcelona).
This is your opportunity to join the ranks of groundbreaking projects that have launched careers and captured global attention.
Submissions are now open, with two deadlines:
- Early Bird Deadline: December 18th, 2024 – €50
- Final Deadline: April 7th, 2025 – €85
Take the Next Step
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your project on an international stage. Whether your work is in fiction, animation, or experimental film, the FEST Pitching Forum is the perfect place to share your vision and connect with decision-makers who can help bring it to life.
Submit today and join us in celebrating innovation and creativity at FEST 2025!
