The last chance to apply for the Short Pitch Program 2025 is fast approaching. Organised by the Institute of Documentary Film, and aking place May 10 in Warsaw during Millenium Docs Against Gravity, the program is open to short documentary films (up to 25 minutes) from Central and Eastern Europe that are at development or rough-cut stage.
The Short Pitch Program “supports short documentary films from Central and Eastern Europe, fostering the development of exceptional projects by offering a platform for filmmakers to engage with industry professionals and receive constructive feedback,” write organisers.
Five selected projects will be presented to a distinguished panel of sales agents, distributors, festival or TV representatives. The selection process prioritizes both artistic merit and impactful storytelling. In addition to gaining industry exposure, participants compete for the following awards:
- The East Silver Award, which includes a trophy and a year-long festival distribution service through East Silver Caravan.
- The DAE Pitch Talent Encouragement Prize, offering tailored mentoring from an industry expert.
The Institute of Documentary Film Previous quotes previous participants who have attended the program.
Marta Smerechynska, director of Children Will Forget who participated in this program in 2023, comments: “Familiar with the world of feature films, starting to work on shorts left me feeling lost. The Short Pitch Program became a unique opportunity to connect with professionals specifically interested in short films and explore possibilities for all my ongoing films, both completed and in progress.”
Andreea Udrea, director of The Wind Blows Where It Pleases who also participated in 2023, underlines the program’s role in shaping her film: “The Short Pitch Program helped me refine my project, making it both intimate and relatable. It also encouraged me to keep working on my story, as many programmers and distributors recognized its significance and its challenge to societal expectations.”
Monika Kotecka, director of Hidden who participated last year, adds: “The Short Pitch Program offers a rare opportunity for short film creators to step outside their own perspective and engage with potential audiences. We received valuable feedback from industry professionals, some of whom we remained in contact with when the festival selection period for the film began.”
Applications must be submitted by February 16, 2025. The application process is free of charge. For more details and to apply, visit dokweb.net/en.
