CineLink Producers’ Lab Call for Entries

Sarajevo Film Festival’s CineLink Industry Days has developed the CineLink Producers' Lab as a dedicated year-round training and networking programme tailored for emerging producers with 3–5 years of professional experience.

The Lab responds to the dynamic shifts in the film industry by equipping participants with the tools to grow not only as project managers, but as strategic thinkers, content curators, and future leaders capable of building sustainable and visionary production companies.

The CineLink Producers’ Lab will be held from 16th until 21st of August, 2025.

Selected participants will be granted an Industry Accreditation and the Festival will provide accommodation and partially reimburse travel costs.

Emerging producers from Southeast Europe and Southern Caucasus are invited to apply for CineLink Producers’ Lab by April 25th, 2025.

The programme is intended for:

• Producers with 3–5 years of experience in the film industry;

• Those who have produced at least three short films or have worked in production on a feature film;

• Professionals looking to start their own production company, or develop a newly founded company;

• Junior producers working within larger production companies.

The 2025 CineLink Producers' Lab will focus on three key areas:

Developing a Strong Production Identity: Learn how to define and expand your production company's vision and build a sustainable content slate.

Navigating the Business of Film: Gain insights into the financial and strategic aspects of the industry, with a focus on securing financing and boosting international visibility.

Adapting to Emerging Trends and Technologies: Explore future-proof business models, including the integration of AI and new technologies in content creation, and how these can shape your company's long-term strategy.

The call is open to producers coming from Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Hungary, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey and Ukraine.

Applicants are required to fill out the application via Eventival. Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Quality of application (clarity and depth of presentation);

• Professional film experience (at least one completed feature or mid-length film, or more than three short films);

• Motivation letter (articulation of aspirations, ambitions, and expected outcomes from the programme).

CineLink Industry Days is a renowned business platform that attracts professionals from across Europe seeking talent, co-production possibilities, and deeper knowledge of the region's business development. It offers year-round training opportunities and access to the extensive network and markets of the European and international film and audio-visual industries, enhancing the professional and creative capabilities of local and regional film and TV professionals.

The closing date for applications is April 25th, 2025.

Please find more information and apply [HERE].

 

*This label does not prejudge the status of Kosovo and is in accordance with Resolution 1244 and the opinion of the ICJ on Kosovo's declaration of independence.