The EFM teams up with Frontières for a new genre-focused initiative
- The market will launch EFM Frontières Focus, a new platform dedicated to innovative international genre films at advanced stages of production
The European Film Market (EFM) has announced a fresh collaboration with Frontières, the Montreal-based international genre co-production market organised by the Fantasia International Film Festival, for a new Work-in-Progress and In-Production showcase during the next Berlinale (12-22 February 2026).
Debuting under the banner EFM Frontières Focus, the initiative will highlight five bold and innovative international genre projects at advanced stages of financing, production or early post-production. Taking place in February 2026 at the Gropius Bau, the platform aims to connect distinctive works with sales agents, distributors and festival programmers, elevating genre cinema’s visibility on the global stage.
The showcase will present a curated selection spanning psychological thrillers, horror, sci-fi, fantasy and hybrid forms, underlining the artistic range and ambition of contemporary genre filmmaking. Filmmakers behind the chosen projects will pitch directly to industry professionals in a session designed for works ready to make their market debut in autumn 2026, with a focus on securing sales representation or completion funding. Complementary networking events tailored to the genre community will offer further opportunities for business and collaboration.
“Genre filmmaking is enjoying a remarkable surge in creativity and visibility, attracting leading creative voices, top talent and bigger budgets, and EFM Frontières Focus will place it firmly in the spotlight,” said director of Berlinale Pro* Tanja Meissner. “This exciting collaboration will open up new opportunities for creators, producers and industry professionals, and is a natural extension of our shared commitment to bold storytelling and innovation in cinema. Annick Mahnert and her team have consistently championed daring, visionary work, curating projects that push the boundaries. Their unique perspective has enriched the global genre market with stories that are as original as they are powerful.”
Annick Mahnert, executive director of Frontières, added: “Frontières is excited to partner with the EFM on this new initiative, creating a dynamic space for films in production and post-production to find sales and distribution opportunities. We’re proud to bring our genre-driven perspective to one of the industry’s most influential marketplaces.”
Submissions for eligible projects will open on 15 August and close on 13 November. Detailed information on the application process and participation requirements is available on the Frontières website.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
