Future Frames – Generation NEXT of European Cinema returns to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF, 3-11 July) with a new selection of standout emerging directors from across Europe, underlining the programme’s role as a key launchpad for the continent’s next generation of filmmaking talent. Presented by European Film Promotion (EFP) in cooperation with KVIFF and with the support of Creative Europe – MEDIA, the 2026 edition welcomes Allwyn as the programme’s new main partner.

The line-up brings together recent European film-school graduates whose short films will screen during this year’s festival. Nominated by their respective national film promotion institutes, EFP member organisations, and selected by KVIFF artistic director Karel Och and his programming team, the filmmakers will take part in a curated programme of promotion, industry meetings and networking activities before and during the festival. Showcasing a broad range of voices, styles and perspectives, this year’s Future Frames filmmakers reflect the creative diversity shaping the future of European cinema.

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creative talent, Allwyn will once again award one director from this year’s Future Frames selection a one-month scholarship in Los Angeles, with the recipient chosen by a jury of US talent agents from Range Media Partners and United Talent Agency. Further strengthening Future Frames' long-term support for emerging talent, EFP’s new partnership with Les Arcs Film Festival's Industry Village will offer one participant a wild-card entry in the festival’s Talent Village programme in December. The final selection will be made by the Industry Village team.

The selected filmmakers and short films are as follows:

Arnas Balčiūnas (Lithuanian Theatre and Music Academy, Lithuania)
Past the Hill of Napoleon’s Hat

David Champaigne (University of Ljubljana, Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television, Slovenia)
Self-Sown

Júlia Coldwell Serra (Catalonia Film and Audiovisual School - ESCAC, Spain)
Nobody Barks

Helmi Donner (ELO Film School Finland at Aalto University, Finland)
The Lightning Rod

Ollie Launspach (Netherlands Film Academy, Netherlands)
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Marie Lukáčová (UMPRUM, Czech Republic)
Orla

Teilo Quillard (La Fémis, École Nationale supérieure des métiers de l'image et du son, France)
Zampano

Jozo Schmuch (Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb, Croatia)
Shallow Ground

Hae-Sup Sin (Zurich University of the Arts, ZHdK, Switzerland)
Half-Moon (Ban Dal)

André Vaara (Stockholm University of the Arts, Sweden)
Sister of Mine