Dutch Film Talents to Cannes 2026

Participation for Dutch Film Talents to Cannes 2026 is open for every new filmmaker from the Netherlands. The selected filmmakers will present themselves and their short film during special events at SFC Rendez-Vous Industry and receive accreditation to visit the Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film from May 15-May 20, 2026.

Since 2018 the CineSud Dutch Film Talents to Cannes program has been a great success giving new filmmakers the chance to:

• Meet & mingle with film professionals and industry professionals from the Netherlands and around the world by attending networking events, group- & private meetings and give them a stage to grow.
• Learn pitching & networking skills, perfect presentation skills.
• Present themselves and their current projects and projects in development to producers, distributors and buyers.
• Build new relationships with potential producers/writers/directors/sales agents/distributors, etc. for future projects.
• Attend SFC Breakfast, one-on-one sessions, networking dinners, masterclasses & workshops at the SFC Rendez-vous Industry and more.

• And more!

   

Program

I want to join the program!

Below you will find a list of requirements: 

• Timeframe within which your last short film (max. 25 min) has been made is June 2025 to March 2026 (you can submit with a work-in-progress).
• You have gained experience in the field of film by e.g. finishing a film school and/or made at least two independent (professional) short films (films made within contests such as 48 Hour Film Project do not count).
• You have a clear vision on where you are right now in your professional career and your future ambitions & your development as a filmmaker and why this program can be beneficial for you. The program requires significant time, preparation, and active involvement.
• You are an experienced new filmmaker who is ready to take the next step (e.g. feature films);
• Kick-off meeting on March 19 (15:30-20:00) and public presentation March 20 (10:00-16:00)  in Maastricht is obligatory. 

Are you a filmmaker from Limburg? The trip might be (partially) sponsored for you by CineSud (contact us before your application).

What do we provide?

Next to the above listed activities and guidance, we will take care of accommodation in Cannes for the duration of the program, one networking breakfast, a kick-off dinner and one networking professionals dinner.

Selection procedure

For this edition, 3 to 5 filmmakers will be selected to participate in the training and networking program.

This year, CineSud collaborates with CineNord (Friesland–Drenthe–Groningen). At least one filmmaker from this region will be chosen, and CineSud will also select one filmmaker from Limburg. For these selected filmmakers, the trip will be sponsored by the respective partner.

The remaining participants may come from any region in the Netherlands. For these filmmakers, the participation fee is €1.000 (excluding 21% VAT). Travel costs are not included.

Applications deadline:  Tuesday 13 January 2026, 12 am

Selection announcement: Friday 20 March 2026

The selected participants will be announced during the Euregion Film Forum 2026 on March 20 in Lumière Cinema Maastricht. Attendance is compulsory. We will inform selected participants end of January 2026.

Contact us.

Do you have any questions or just want to get in touch with us? Contact us by using the contact form below.