VdR–Pitching is an international platform within the Visions du Réel festival that supports feature-length documentary projects in advanced development. Its aim is to connect filmmakers with industry professionals to facilitate funding, co-production, and distribution. The call is open to projects over 60 minutes, with a creative approach and international potential. Both debut and experienced filmmakers can participate, provided the projects are original and not yet in production.
Selected projects participate in pitch sessions in front of experts and receive mandatory pitch training. Documentation is required in English, including synopsis, treatment, visual references, preliminary budget, and team CVs. Narrative innovation and the potential for international reach are highly valued.
Projects may also be eligible for development awards, including the Eurimages Co‑Production Development Award, which encourages international co-productions. The call includes submission deadlines and presentation sessions, with travel and accommodation costs covered by participants, although partial support may be available. VdR–Pitching offers a unique opportunity to gain professional visibility and support for creative documentaries in development.
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VdR–Pitching
The VdR–Work in Progress call from the Visions du Réel festival targets feature-length documentaries in the advanced stages of post-production. Projects must have at least 10 minutes of edited material and will have the chance to be presented to industry professionals such as distributors, sales agents, TV channels, and festivals.
Projects from all over the world are eligible, as long as they are feature-length documentaries nearing completion. Selection is based on artistic quality, international potential, financial viability, and the experience of the team. Attendance of both the director and producer at the event is mandatory if selected.
The main goal is to facilitate professional connections, access to finishing funds, and support the film’s distribution and festival strategy. Applications are submitted online in English, with English subtitles required for audiovisual material in other languages, and a small participation fee applies. Selected projects receive accreditation, pitch training, and participation in presentations and one-on-one meetings with industry professionals.
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VdR–Work in Progress
The Rough Cut Lab, taking place during the VdR–Industry Days (April 6–9, 2025) in Nyon, Switzerland, is a competitive lab designed to support filmmakers during the editing process, helping them find the best creative direction for their films.
As part of the VdR–Industry program, this workshop focuses on four rough cuts, developed in collaboration with the filmmaking teams and mentors, who are experienced editors and industry professionals. Participation in this lab, conceived as a springboard for creative documentaries, also provides an opportunity for curated meetings with a wide range of buyers attending the industry program.
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VdR–Rough Cut Lab
The 10th Scriptwriting Contest of the Skyline Benidorm Film Festival is open to both national and international screenwriters who wish to participate in a short film-focused competition. Participants can submit scripts in fiction, animation, or documentary, with a maximum length of 20 pages, written in Spanish or Valencian.
The submission period runs from November 17, 2025, to January 19, 2026, while the festival will take place from April 18 to 25, 2026, in Benidorm, Spain. Each author may submit up to three scripts, with a registration fee that varies depending on the number of submissions.
This contest is not a pitch, lab, or market; it is a pure scriptwriting competition judged by audiovisual industry professionals, whose decision is final. The main prize amounts to 1,500 euros, along with a trophy and official recognition in the credits of the future short film. The contest offers an opportunity to showcase original projects and connect with the professional short film industry.
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Screenwriting Contest - SkylineFest
Since 2014, Cinéma du Réel has been working with industry professionals to promote the distribution of documentary films and strengthen connections between filmmakers and distributors. During the festival's 36th edition, ParisDOC was created, an event conceived by Maria Bonsanti, Anaïs Desrieux, and the association Les Amis de Cinéma du Réel.
Participants at this two-day event had the opportunity to watch films in post-production, with an additional day dedicated to discussing initiatives aimed at film distribution. The event's purpose, which later evolved into ParisDOC Works-in-Progress and the Public Forum, was clear from the start: rather than simply opening a market, the goal was to address the challenges and issues facing the documentary film industry, foster innovative ideas, and provide professionals with tailored support and guidance.
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PARIS DOC
