In 2027, the European Film Market (EFM) will introduce the EFM Doc Series Pitch,
a new international platform for documentary series projects in development. Up to 10 projects from around the world will be invited to pitch and meet potential co-production, financing, commissioning and distribution partners during the Berlinale Series Market in February 2027.
The associated EFM Doc Series Pitch Award is endowed with €5,000, and is donated by Stuttgart-based Haus des Dokumentarfilms e.V. (HDF). The jury will be chaired by Eric Friedler, CEO of HdF.
“With the award, [we] aim to support the development of ambitious documentary series projects and strengthen opportunities for internationally oriented non-fiction storytelling,” write organisers.
During the pitch event, participating producers will benefit from matchmaking and pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with co-producers, financiers, commissioning editors and sales agents, helping them build international partnerships and advance their projects.
The call is open to brand-new documentary series projects across all subjects and IPs that have not previously been presented at an industry event, festival or market.
Doc Series projects should be:
- exciting first-season, high-quality Doc series or miniseries (no procedurals)
- suitable for international co-production and looking for co-production partners and/ or financers
Projects may be submitted:
- by producers from all over the world
- in development and financing stages, with or without confirmed financing in place, but not in production yet
- with or without confirmed partners such as a broadcaster, streamer or international distributor on board
Applications are open until October 1, 2026. The official selection will be announced in mid-December, with further details to follow in mid-January 2027.
The EFM Doc Series Pitch will take place during the Berlinale Series Market from February 14–16, 2027.
