20/08/2026 - The initiative will select up to ten international non-fiction series projects for pitching and matchmaking during the 2027 edition of the European Film Market

The European Film Market (EFM) is launching the new EFM Doc Series Pitch in 2027, developed in collaboration with DOK.fest Munich and aimed at internationally orientated non-fiction series at an early stage of development.

The initiative will be curated by DOK.forum, DOK.fest Munich’s industry platform, together with the EFM’s DocSalon and the Berlinale Series Market. Up to ten documentary-series projects from around the world will be selected and presented to potential co-production partners, broadcasters, streaming commissioners, financiers and sales agents during the EFM in February 2027.

Applications opened in mid-August and will remain open until 1 October 2026, with the official selection due to be announced in mid-December. Further details about the pitch itself are expected in mid-January 2027.

The selected teams will take part in matchmaking activities and pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings organised by EFM DocSalon and the Berlinale Series Market, with the aim of connecting producers with prospective co-producers and financing partners.

The call is targeting world premieres of documentary series at an early stage of development and is open to projects based on any IP or subject. The selected titles will be presented as part of the Berlinale Series Market, which will run from 14-16 February 2027.

The new programme builds on the work of DOK.forum, which over the past decade has developed into an international platform for documentary projects in development as well as a think tank and networking hub for the non-fiction industry.

Adele Kohout, festival director of DOK.fest Munich, and Julia Zantl, head of DOK.forum Munich, commented: “The documentary landscape is evolving rapidly, and documentary series have become one of its most exciting and dynamic formats. They offer filmmakers the opportunity to explore their subjects in greater depth, broaden narratives and untangle complex, multi-layered issues that a single feature-length film cannot fully contain. Furthermore, documentary series empower creators to experiment with new forms of storytelling and reach audiences across streaming platforms as well as traditional broadcasters.

“With this new and exciting collaboration between DOK.fest Munich, the Berlinale and EFM DocSalon, we are delighted to be creating a platform that responds to this growing demand. This strategic partnership bridges major pillars of the international film community, combining curated artistic vision with robust industry infrastructure. Ultimately, this initiative is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between creators and industry partners, and supporting outstanding documentary series with strong international potential.”

The EFM DocSalon will run from 12-15 February 2027, bringing together members of the international non-fiction community during the Berlinale. Through presentations and networking formats, it seeks to bridge the creative and commercial sides of the documentary industry within the broader Berlinale Pro ecosystem, alongside initiatives including the Archive Market, Animation Days, the Series Market and Books at Berlinale.

Tanja Meissner, director of Berlinale Pro and the EFM, said: “We're delighted to launch this new collaboration with DOK.forum Munich. [...] Doc series have become one of the most dynamic forms of storytelling, reaching broad audiences while offering an essential lens on the world we live in. We want the EFM to be a place not only where these projects gain visibility, but also where the collaborations that bring them to life begin.

“By joining forces, we can offer producers a strong, better-connected ecosystem that reflects how projects are financed, developed and brought to audiences today. We can connect our respective strengths, and share networks, resources and expertise, so that doc series projects find the right partners.”

The initiative is being supported by FFF Bayern, which has also backed the Berlinale DocSalon for the past two years.