Filmfest Hamburg, the International Confederation of Arthouse Cinemas (CICAE) and Futura Cinema have opened a European call for applications inviting cinema exhibitors, cultural venues and film professionals to take part in an innovation-focused programme running alongside the 34th edition of Filmfest Hamburg and its Industry Days from 29 September-1 October 2026.

The initiative will bring together a delegation of around 25 professionals from across Europe to explore and evaluate six innovation projects designed to rethink audience engagement, cinema experiences and the future of cultural venues. Presented and tested live in cinemas and cultural spaces across Hamburg, the selected projects will cover a range of approaches, including technological, social, economic and usage-based innovations aimed at supporting exhibition practices and audience development.

Participants will have the opportunity to test the projects in real-world conditions, exchange ideas with exhibitors, festival representatives and cultural professionals from across Europe, contribute feedback to the development process, attend screenings and industry events at Filmfest Hamburg, and vote for the “Professionals’ Favourite” Award.

The call is open to cinemas, cultural venues welcoming audiences, film festivals, distributors and organisations involved in the circulation of cultural works. Applicants must represent a European organisation active in the cultural or film sector, designate one representative and be available in Hamburg throughout the programme.

Financial support will be provided to all selected participants. Five CICAE members and five cinemas based in France’s Grand Est region will receive full coverage of travel, accommodation and festival accreditation, while 15 additional European participants selected through the open call will benefit from partial support and accreditation.

Applications must be submitted by 10 July 2026, with candidates being notified of the outcome before the end of that month. The detailed programme will be unveiled in early September.