What is it?

The Screen Talent Europe Pitching Forum is a collaboration between Screen Talent Europe, Mediefabrikken, and the Norwegian Short Film Festival.

Each year, a select group of filmmakers aged 22–32 is invited to pitch their short film project in development to an international jury and festival audience. One project will be awarded a €4,000 production grant.

Beyond the pitch itself, participants take part in a curated program designed to:

• Strengthen their projects
• Develop pitching skills
• Build international networks
• Encourage future collaborations and co-productions across borders

The forum aims to create a supportive, inspiring space where emerging filmmakers can take the next step in their careers, creatively and professionally.

When is it?

The Norwegian Short Film Festival runs from 10 June to 14 June 2026, while the Pitching Forum itself will take place from 10 June to 12 June 2026. The selected filmmakers will present their projects in a 4-minute pitch before a jury and an audience.

The pitch is scheduled for Thursday, 11 June, preceded by a mandatory preparation workshop on Wednesday, 11 June. Following the pitch on Thursday, all participants and festival attendees are invited to join us for a scenic boat trip along the stunning Norwegian fjords of Grimstad. On Friday 12 June, the program includes masterclasses and/or networking sessions, as well as the opportunity to attend selected festival screenings.
The winner of the pitching contest will be officially announced later that evening as part of the festival’s official program.

Practical Information

• Travel, accommodation, and meals from 9-13 June 2026 are covered by the event.
• Travel costs have to be paid by the selected filmmaker. In some cases, the local partner (like CineSud) can support partly if necessary.
• Selected participants must attend a mandatory online pre-meeting on 3 June 2026, where practical details and expectations will be reviewed.

Applications terms

• Participants must be affiliated with one of the Screen Talent Europe partners. A list of partners can be found on the application form and the Screen Talent Europe website. Participants who submit via CineSud as their local partner, need to be a member of Club CineSud (€75/year) or become one promptly after being selected for the pitch.
• Producers, directors, and screenwriters (between the age of 22 and 32 years old) are eligible to apply if they have produced at least two films (short fiction or documentary).
• Applicants must apply with a project in development, either fiction or documentary, with a maximum length of 20 minutes.
• Participants must be available for pitching preparations on Wednesday, 10 June, and for the pitch itself on Thursday, 11 June. Consequently, it is advisable to plan travel to Grimstad on 9 June.
• Participants must attend the online meeting on 3 June to review the details of the STE Pitching Forum.
• The pitch will be conducted in English.
• The deadline for applications is 1 March 2026.
• You will receive notification of your selection status by 13 March. Please keep the STE Pitching Forum dates available until participant announcements are finalized.

Travel costs have to be paid by the selected filmmaker. In some cases, the local partner (like CineSud) can support partly if necessary.

How to apply

The pitch will be conducted in English. Deadline for application is 1 March 2026, 23.59 CET. To apply please fill out the form via the button below.