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Submit your film for CineLink Work in Progress 2026
We invite filmmakers from Southeast Europe, Ukraine, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia to submit their fiction and documentary projects by May 15, 2026
CineLink Work in Progress is now open for submissions, with the deadline set for May 15, 2026.
The programme will select up to 10 projects currently in post-production, which will be presented exclusively to invited international sales agents, leading festival programmers, distributors, representatives of public funds, and post-production companies during the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival (August 14–21, 2026).
We invite filmmakers from Southeast Europe, Ukraine, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia to submit their fiction and documentary projects. Please note that projects which were not selected in previous calls are not eligible to reapply for this year’s edition but can contact the team with a brief explanation of what has changed within the project for consideration. Moreover, projects which will be in shooting during May - June can be submitted even after the deadline, upon consultation with CineLink Work in Progress team.
Selected projects will compete for several prestigious awards, including: HBO Award (€30,000, cash)*, Post Republic Award (€30,000, in kind) and the Avanpost Media Award (€30,000, in kind).
We would also like to congratulate all projects from the past two editions on their successful world premieres and international recognition in 2026. CineLink Work in Progress continues to be a key platform for advancing films toward major festival premieres and international exposure.
Un Certain Regard - Cannes Film Festival 2026
Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep, directed by Rakan Mayasi
(Production company: Atata)
Film was presented in CineLink Work in Progress 2025 where it received the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) Award (€10,000).
“Taking part in CineLink at the Sarajevo Film Festival came at a really important moment for me and the film. We were still deep in post-production, still questioning a lot, still trying to understand what the film wanted to be. Being there gave me a bit of distance and clarity at the same time. What I appreciated most was how open and genuine the whole experience felt. The conversations didn’t feel formal or forced—they were honest, curious, and often very generous. Hearing how others connected with the film helped me rethink certain choices and also trust some of the instincts I already had. It was also just really encouraging to be surrounded by people who care about cinema in that way, especially at a stage that can feel a bit isolating. Now that the film is continuing its journey and has been selected in Un Certain Regard at Cannes, I can really see how important that moment in Sarajevo was. It stayed with me throughout the rest of the process. I’m very thankful to the CineLink team for the support, the conversations, and for believing in the film early on.” - Rakan Mayasi
Berlinale Perspectives – Berlinale 2026
17, directed by Kosara Mitić
(Production companies: Black Cat Production, Art&Popcorn, December)
Presented at CineLink Work in Progress 2025, where it received the Avanpost Media Award (€30,000 in kind), supporting the completion of post-production and preparation for international release.
“Participation at CineLink was an extremely important and valuable experience, as it enabled the film, at a crucial stage, to be seen by major festival selectors and international distributors. I am deeply grateful to the CineLink platform for the support, attention, and space for dialogue, which gave a strong boost to the film’s further festival journey.” - Kosara Mitić
Where To?, directed by Assaf Machnes
(Production companies: 2-Team Production, Rogovin Brothers, Iconoclast Germany, Lev Cinema)
Presented at CineLink Work in Progress 2025, where it received the Post Republic Award (€30,000 in kind), contributing to the film’s finalization ahead of its Berlinale premiere.
“Making this film was a struggle, but so many amazing people with their hearts in the right places were involved, and I can't be more thankful for that final push we received during Cinelink at Sarajevo last summer. I can't wait to go back to that mountainous city and perhaps show the final movie at this great fest.” - Assaf Machnes
Berlinale Forum - Berlinale 2026
Lust, directed by Ralitza Petrova
(Production companies: Aporia Filmworks, Screening Emotions, Snowglobe, Silver Films, Film i Väst)
Presented at the CineLink Co-Production Market 2021, where it received the ArteKino International Prize (€6,000), supporting its development, and later returned to CineLink Work in Progress 2024.
“CineLink was instrumental in introducing LUST to key programmers and sales agents, generating early anticipation, and revealing where the project resonated most deeply and felt most at home.” - Ralitza Petrova
Tiger Competition – International Film Festival Rotterdam 2026
Supporting Role, directed by Ana Urushadze
(Production companies: Zazafilms LLC, Allfilm, Enkeny Films, Zeynofilm, Cinetrain, Melograno Films)
Presented in CineLink Co-Production Market 2020 during its online edition. The project received the Film Center Serbia CineLink Development Award (€10,000) supporting its further development at a crucial stage. After completion, Supporting Role was presented at CineLink Work in Progress 2024. It is also a recipient of the Special Jury Award and Fipresci Award at IFFR.
Bright Future – International Film Festival Rotterdam 2026
Honey Bunny, directed by Igor Jelinović
(Production companies: Eclectica, Film House Baš Čelik)
Film was presented in CineLink Work in Progress 2024 where it received the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) Award (€25,000).
You can find the application form HERE.
For any other questions, contact us via industry@sff.ba
* A direct license across 15 HBO territories in Central and Southeast Europe, providing completion funding and a guaranteed broadcast window. The winning project will have the opportunity to be aired on the linear HBO channel and included in the high-quality content library of the HBO Max streaming platform, helping it reach a broad international audience and positioning it among compelling storytelling.