09/12/2025 - The 2026 edition also introduces a slew of other major new initiatives, including an enhanced Innovation Hub and a strengthened focus on cross-IP collaboration

Marking its second year under the leadership of Berlinale Pro director Tanja Meissner, the European Film Market (EFM) will return from 12-18 February 2026, once again positioning itself as one of the most influential business platforms for the global audiovisual industry. The organisers highlight an even more far-reaching programme this time around, responding to rapid shifts across film, series, animation and emerging creative sectors.

One of the most notable additions is the EFM Animation Days, taking place from 12-14 February. Signalling a significant expansion of the market’s portfolio, the initiative gathers animation studios, producers, creatives, buyers and financiers for curated showcases, pitching sessions, case studies, workshops and networking formats. A central highlight is the Annecy Animation Showcase EFM, curated in collaboration with MIFA and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, presenting animated works in progress expected to premiere in the second half of 2026.

Another major development is EFM Beyond, a new programme cluster designed to explore innovative market strategies and cross-media business models. Located in the expanded Producers Hub, the initiative offers practical, producer-focused workshops on worldbuilding, multi-platform IP development, revenue expansion, and cross-sector collaboration with gaming and XR partners. A dedicated Cross-IP Accelerator, organised with SpielFabrique and the Annecy Festival, further supports producers aiming to develop interconnected content ecosystems.

The Innovation Hub, which debuted last year, returns as the central venue for emerging production technologies and AI-driven solutions. Exhibitors will present tools exploring new possibilities in virtual production, distribution pathways and workflow optimisation, accompanied by daily networking sessions targeting professionals across animation, film, gaming and XR.

The EFM Startups programme celebrates its 12th edition, introducing another curated selection of ten international media-tech entrepreneurs whose tools address challenges in production, distribution, rights management and audience engagement. It remains the only major market where startups are featured through a dedicated promotional platform. Supported by Creative Europe – MEDIA, it has previously elevated companies such as FilmChain, Respeecher, Publikum and Largo.ai.

Following a successful pilot in 2025, the EFM Investors Forum will once again assemble film-finance leaders and private-equity stakeholders for a full day of high-level debate on risk, sustainability and the shifting balance between public and private funding. Held against the backdrop of the EFM’s industry activities, the forum aims to offer clearer insights into the current dynamics of global film financing.

New this year is the Berlinale Film School Summit, welcoming up to 100 directing and producing students from leading international film schools. Participants will gain exclusive access to Berlinale Pro activities, including master classes, mentoring and structured networking formats, bridging academic training and professional market engagement.

The 2026 edition also strengthens its works-in-progress and pitching activities under the new Spotlight On umbrella. These include the EFM Far East in Progress showcase, created in partnership with EAVE Ties That Bind and Focus Asia, highlighting new Asian films at the post-production stage. Additionally, the first EFM Frontières Focus will present five bold genre projects in advanced development or early post-production (see the news).

As this year’s Country in Focus, Morocco will take centre stage throughout the market. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM), the programme highlights Morocco’s dynamic production environment and international co-production potential. Curated pitching sessions, showcases and networking events will offer a broad overview of the country’s creative industries, while the Moroccan stand at the Gropius Bau will serve as a central meeting point for professionals.

The Berlinale Series Market (15-18 February) returns with an expanded line-up and fresh initiatives. Among them is Series Match, organised with Iberseries & Platino Industria to connect Ibero-American and German producers working on early-stage projects. Meanwhile, the CinemaxX lounge will host a new round of industry talks and informal networking sessions.

From 13-17 February, the DocSalon will once again serve as a key hub for documentary professionals, featuring curated networking formats and sessions. The Archive Market, returning on 17 February, will offer a specialised platform for restorations, heritage content and archival research, with a new focus on animated documentaries aligned with the broader Animation Days programme.

The EFM Conference Programme, running from 13-16 February, will gather leading industry figures for four days of master classes, panel discussions and case studies. This year's conversations will examine emerging business models, evolving buyer behaviour, audience development and the consolidation trends reshaping the global film ecosystem.

The 2026 EFM receives support from Creative Europe – MEDIA, MDM Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung, Hessen Film & Medien, the Canada Media Fund, FFF Bayern and various regional partners. The European Film Market forms part of Berlinale Pro, the festival’s integrated industry framework that unites the EFM, the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents and the World Cinema Fund.