Berlinale Talents 2026 — Summit & Talent Labs

Location
Berlin, Germany (as part of Berlinale Pro*, festival Feb 12–22; Talents Feb 13–18, 2026)

Open to
Filmmakers, series creators, XR creators, critics and professionals across more than 15 disciplines with a professional track record. Applicants must have relevant experience and a body of work. 项目 applicants may also submit to Talents Labs like Script Station, Talent Project Market, Doc Station, Short Form Station, and Talent Press separately.

Application Fee
Service Fee (non-refundable):

  • Standard: €20

  • Reduced: €15 (for applicants in financial need)

  • Solidarity: €25+ (covers tech costs and supports others)

  • Fee includes up to two application attempts within five years.

What’s Provided

  • Invitation to participate in the Berlinale Talents Summit: interactive panels, workshops, labs, and networking with peers and experts.

  • Inclusion in Talent Project Market (for producers & directors), pitch labs, or Script Station as applied.

  • No participation fee once selected — all sessions free of charge.

  • Access to a global alumni community of thousands.

 

What the Applicant Must Cover

  • Service fee as above

  • Personal travel, accommodation, and living expenses

  • No other fees imposed by the programme

Duration
Summit duration: 6 days (February 13–18, 2026) during Berlinale; associated labs and the Talent Project Market occur in parallel.

Deadline
September 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM CEST

 

Selection Process & Notification

  • Eligibility screened in September

  • Applications reviewed October–November

  • Final selection notified by mid-December

Other Notes

  • Selection is based on professionalism, craftsmanship, resonance, relevance, and innovation (soft criteria). No quotas for age or geography; inclusivity is prioritized.

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  • Applicants with physical access needs may contact talents@berlinale.de for accommodations.

  • Financial hardship support includes travel bursaries and regional assistance for selected talents.