10/02/2025 - Documentary filmmakers from Central and Eastern Europe have an opportunity to advance their projects and careers with the 2025 editions of the programmes aimed at shorts and features

Last year's edition of Ex Oriente Film (© Adam Mráček)

The Short Pitch Program, part of the Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival, is accepting applications for its 2025 edition. Taking place on 10 May in Warsaw, the programme is tailored for short documentary films of up to 25 minutes that are at the development or rough-cut stage. Five selected projects will be presented to a panel of sales agents, distributors, and festival or TV representatives, all of whom bring extensive experience and influence within the documentary film industry. Filmmakers will gain valuable industry feedback, networking opportunities and exposure to key decision makers in the documentary field. The programme emphasises artistic merit and impactful storytelling. Participants will compete for the East Silver Award, which includes a trophy and a year-long festival distribution service via East Silver Caravan, as well as the DAE Pitch Talent Encouragement Prize, offering tailored mentoring from an industry expert.

Past participants have praised the programme for its transformative impact. Marta Smerechynska, director of Children Will Forget, shared her view that the Short Pitch Program became a unique opportunity for her to connect with professionals specifically interested in short films and to explore possibilities for all of her ongoing films. Similarly, Andreea Udrea, director of The Wind Blows Where It Pleases, highlighted the programme’s role in refining her project and encouraging its development. Producer Marta Szymanowska, who participated with Hidden, noted the collaborative spirit of the programme, emphasising how feedback from industry professionals continued to provide guidance for the film’s team during the festival selection period. Applications are free of charge and must be submitted by 16 February. More information can be found here.

The Ex Oriente Film Workshop, dedicated to the development of creative feature-length documentaries and series, is also accepting applications until 28 February. The intensive training programme supports filmmakers from Central and Eastern Europe through three sessions over the year, culminating in project presentations at the East Doc Forum. Participants receive expert mentorship and the chance to connect with international industry professionals. The workshop has been a launching pad for many acclaimed films, including Rabbit à la Berlin by Bartosz Konopka, Over the Limit [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Marta Prus, A Loss of Something Ever Felt [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] by Carlos E Lesmes, and Lessons of Love [+see also:
film review
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interview: Małgorzata Goliszewska and …
film profile] by Małgorzata Goliszewska and Katarzyna Mateja. Most recently, My Armenian Phantoms by Tamara Stepanyan, developed through the workshop, has been granted a slot to premiere at the Berlinale, in Forum Special, reflecting the workshop’s role in guiding filmmakers towards international recognition.

Mariia Ponomarova, a participant with Fragile Memory [+see also:
film review
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interview: Igor Ivanko
film profile] and Nice Ladies [+see also:
film review
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film profile], described the workshop as a place to grow as a documentary professional and to find a supportive community. Director Taisiia Kutuzova added that the best part of Ex Oriente is the community of like-minded people who love what they do. The workshop’s tutors, including BAFTA-winning filmmaker Marc Isaacs and HBO Europe’s Hanka Kastelicová, underscore its importance in shaping successful documentary projects. Isaacs noted that for many, this is the difference between the life or death of their film, while Kastelicová emphasised how the workshop helps filmmakers refine their approach and identify compelling protagonists. Aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to apply in order to elevate their projects within a supportive, professional network. Application forms and additional details are available here.