Directors Village 2026

Would you like to work thoroughly on your short film script, director’s vision and directing actors? Submit your project and become a part of the Directors Village during Euregion Film Forum 2026. Twelve filmmakers from different countries will be selected to take part in the residency training program, designed and developed by CineSud and organised in collaboration with Screen Talent Europe.

Directors Village is a 5-day on-site European residency training program to enhance and develop the skills of the directors-writers and help you prepare for your next (short film) project. During the Directors Village you’ll work intensively on script development, refining your director’s vision, and collaborating with actors. The week includes expert-led group sessions, coaching, and networking events to help you bring your project to the next level.

Previous projects developed within Directors Village were selected for prestigious film festivals such as Venice International Film Festival, Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival and Cork Film Festival.

"It was a true pleasure to join Directors Village and meet this warm, talented group. CineSud’s safe, welcoming organisation, inspiring coaches, and the joyful bond with fellow filmmakers have enriched my project and given me lifelong memories. I highly recommend it to all who wish to grow as filmmakers while having a great time!" Adam Starsmark | FilmCloud (Sweden) | Directors Village 2022

Program

Directors Village 2026 will take place March 18-22 in Heerlen and Maastricht, the Netherlands. The residency will be held in English.

Coaches for the 2026 edition are Sofia Norlin from Stockholm University of the Arts (SKH), multiple Oscar-winner Martin Strange-Hansen (Denmark) and Dutch fiction- and series-director Janneke van Heesch (the Netherlands). They will guide the participants through the 5-day on-site training program.

Read more about the program of Directors Village via the button below. Networking lunches & dinner, film screenings & other events during the Euregion Film Forum 2026 are also included in the participation.

Program overview

How to apply

Participation in the Directors Village is limited to twelve selected filmmakers.

Sponsored submission

Several spots are sponsored by the Screen Talent Europe partners listed below. You may be eligible for sponsorship if you live in the region of a listed partner and/or have an active connection to that partner (e.g. previous participation or collaboration).

Filmmakers from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, Sweden and Ireland are eligible to submit if the film workshop in their region is one of the Screen Talent Europe partners: Aarhus Film Workshop, Ardán, CineNord, CineSud, FilmCloud, Film Stockholm, GMAC, Mediefabrikken, MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, Odense Film Workshop and Tvibit Film. If you're unsure whether you qualify, we recommend contacting your preferred partner before submitting your application. Your application will be assessed by your local partner.
Want to apply via CineSud? In case you are not a Club CineSud-member, please contact us first via [email protected] to confirm you are eligible to apply.
The participation fee is covered by the partner mentioned above (The program covers workshop, accommodation and catering costs for the selected participants. Travelling may be fully/partially covered by the respective partners up to a limit. For more information about travel costs, please contact your local partner).

Independent submission

In case you are not connected with one of the Screen Talent Europe partners listed above, you can also apply via an open call.

One spot is available for filmmakers from all over the world, who are not eligible to apply via a partner mentioned above.
The participation fee (after selection) is €1000 excl. VAT (21%).

Applications deadline: Monday 1 December 2025, 12 pm

Selection announcement: Monday 12 January 2026

Who and what are we looking for?

Submission documents

"Overall, the experience was amazing—truly the best thing I’ve ever done. The crew’s involvement and the organic atmosphere made it unforgettable. As my first residency, it was life-changing to have my work read, studied, and discussed. It taught me to trust myself as a director and the stories I want to tell. If you’re serious about directing, you’ll get so much out of this!" Lauriane Almeda | CineNord/CineSud (the Netherlands) | Directors Village 2025

Organisation

Directors Village is a unique training program organised by CineSud. The program is organised in collaboration with our dear partners of Screen Talent Europe: Aarhus Film Workshop, Ardán, CineNord, FilmCloud, Film Stockholm, GMAC, Mediefabrikken, MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, Odense Film Workshop and Tvibit Film.

Screen Talent Europe is a network of film workshops and media centres in Europe. The purpose of the network is to promote and foster co-operation between partners, help filmmakers exchange knowledge, experiences and methods through talent camps, network meetings and co-productions. The network collaborates to produce international talent development projects such as pitching forums, film production camps, networking and social events. Furthermore, Screen Talent Europe works to strengthen the workshop model for support-based talent development and also assists countries in Europe currently without film workshops in developing similar resources and models.