The Ópera Prima LAB 2026 call from the Cartagena International Film Festival is open to filmmakers from Ibero-America, South America, and the Caribbean, accepting international submissions. The lab is designed to support first feature film or first series projects in the development stage, providing mentorship, workshops, and a final pitch to industry professionals.
Projects of any genre are accepted, including fiction, documentary, animation, or hybrid formats. Applicants must submit a complete script or written pilot, along with development materials such as synopsis and creative dossier. The program focuses on script and creative development, not on completed projects.
Submissions are open from November 26, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The lab will take place virtually from March to April 2026, with in-person sessions from April 14 to 19, 2026, during the festival in Cartagena, Colombia.
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First Feature film LAB - FICCI/a>
Porto/Post/Doc – Industry Screenings is an open call for projects in post‑production with a connection to Portugal or Galicia. The private screenings will take place on 25–26 November 2025 in Porto, within the festival’s Industry section.
Eligible works include feature‑length or medium‑length films (creative documentaries, auteur fiction, animation or hybrids) that have not yet premiered worldwide. Selected projects are shown as works in progress to international sales agents, distributors, programmers and other key industry players.
The aim is to foster co‑production, pre‑sales, and finishing or distribution deals. Attendance is required with at least one accredited representative.
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Porto/Post/Doc - Industry Screenings
Porto/Post/Doc – Encontros de Coprodução is a co‑production forum that connects audiovisual projects in development or pre‑production with international potential, especially linked to Portugal, Galicia, Spain, or France. Up to 12 projects are selected to present through public pitches and private meetings with co‑producers, funds, broadcasters, and industry agents on 26–27 November 2025 in Porto.
Eligible projects include feature‑length and medium‑length fiction, creative documentaries, animation, or hybrid works with an auteur and artistic focus. The goal is to foster international partnerships, financial support, and co‑productions.
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Porto/Post/Doc – Co‑production Meetings
Arché Porto, part of Porto/Post/Doc, is a development lab and residency for early‑stage projects. It targets emerging filmmakers working on creative documentaries, hybrid works, or film essays in feature‑length or medium‑length format.
The next edition will take place in Porto during the festival, 25 November – 1 December 2025 (Arché sessions usually happen on the Industry days, around 25–27 November).
The program offers tailored mentorships, feedback sessions, and networking activities, encouraging formal and narrative experimentation. Selected projects are developed and presented to international industry professionals during the festival.
Priority is given to projects linked to Portugal, Galicia, or the Iberian Peninsula. The call opens in summer and closes by late September 2025 (exact date to be confirmed). A dossier with synopsis, treatment, CV, and development status is required.
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Porto/Post/Doc - Arché Porto
Chicago Script Awards invites submissions of original screenplays in English across four categories: feature (up to 160 pages), TV pilot (up to 130 pages), short (up to 40 pages), and super-short (up to 10 pages). All genres are accepted with no restrictions. Writers from any country can participate, as long as the script is in English and formatted properly (paginated, unencrypted PDF). Produced, optioned, or rights-restricted scripts are not eligible.
Entries open in three phases: Early Bird, Regular, and Late Deadline, with fees ranging from $30 for features, pilots, and shorts, to $40 for super-shorts. Discounts are available for Gold members.
Winners receive prizes including IMDb visibility, Sundance membership, and professional services valued over $5,000. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your screenplay and connect with an international industry network.
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CHICAGO SCRIPT AWARDS
