01/10/2026 - Following a successful inaugural run, Tatino’s Paris-based editing consultancy will take place again in December; applications can be submitted until 28 October

A Day in the Life of Jo: Chapter Phaedra by Jacqueline Lentzou, which took part in the previous edition

First Cut Lab Paris is returning for a second edition, with Tatino once again inviting audiovisual professionals from around the world to submit feature-length films currently at the editing stage. The on-site programme will take place in Paris between 7 and 11 December 2026, preceded by an online assessment phase.

The programme, launched in January 2026, brings together teams comprising a director, producer and editor in a focused editing consultancy designed to help filmmakers explore new perspectives on their films and identify concrete next steps in the editing process.

Each selected project will be privately screened for three international industry advisors and will receive tailor-made guidance from an editing consultant, with the sessions facilitated by an editorial advisor. The experts will be selected according to the profiles and specific needs of the films.

The first edition has already yielded notable results. Jacqueline Lentzou’s A Day in the Life of Jo: Chapter Phaedra premiered in the Orizzonti section of the 2026 Venice Film Festival, where it received the Orizzonti Award for Best Director, while Levan Koguashvili’s Guria premiered in the Venice Spotlight section.

For the 2026 edition, the team includes Tatino director Matthieu Darras, with Una Gunjak and Dounia Sichov serving as editing consultants and Wim Vanacker as editorial advisor. The industry advisors announced for this edition are Nicholas Kaiser, of Paradise City Sales, and Emmanuel Pisarra, of mk2.

The programme is structured into three consecutive on-site days. The first is dedicated to preparation, with the film team meeting the editing consultant and editorial advisor before the rough cut is privately screened for the three industry advisors. The second focuses on individual feedback from each advisor, and a collective discussion with the team and consultants. The final day is devoted to translating the feedback into concrete editing steps.

Following the workshop, participants receive a report and roadmap intended to provide guidance for the subsequent editing process, with the longer-term aim of strengthening the films’ opportunities to find an audience.

The application period is now open, and submissions must include the completed application form and video material of at least 30 minutes. The deadline is 28 October 2026. More information about the application process can be found here.