Coproduction Forum 2025

2-3 June and 5-6 June / Leiden (The Netherlands) and Online

The ESP Coproduction Forum* is an international pitching and networking event aimed at promoting short film projects, works in progress and talents taking part in the annual edition of European Short Pitch.

The 2025 edition, taking place on site on 2–3 June in Leiden and online on 5–6 June, is held in partnership with Leiden Shorts. This year, the Forum will present 12 short film projects in development, alongside 4 works in post-production. The selected teams, chosen for the originality, quality, and international potential of their projects, have been mentored throughout the programme by ESP’s dedicated network of tutors and consultants.

Throughout the programme, participants benefited from a development workshop, tailored production and distribution consultations, lectures on Audience Design and AI, as well as pitching training to prepare for the showcase. The works in progress were also offered editing consultations. During the Coproduction Forum, the 12 projects in development will be pitched and the 4 works in progress will screen rough cut extracts in front of a curated panel of producers, distributors, sales agents, festival programmers, broadcasters, funds and other decision makers. One-to-one meetings with these industry professionals will follow, with the aim of fostering new collaborations.

An international Jury will assign the European Short Pitch Award. Additional in-kind prizes will be granted by ESP’s partners.

Since its inception, European Short Pitch has supported over 350 projects, resulting in the completion of more than 150 short films, many of which have achieved wide international recognition. The 2025 edition continues this legacy by championing emerging European filmmakers and nurturing meaningful co-production and distribution opportunities across the continent.

  • The ESP Coproduction Forum is open to industry-accreditated guests only.

European Short Pitch Jury:

ALESSIA ACONE

The Netherlands
IFFR Pro

JULIETTE CANON

France
Semaine de la Critique - Cannes

CARLA FOTEA

Romania
microFILM

  • European Short Pitch Award
    Aimed at the 12 projects and awarded by the European Short Pitch Jury:
    € 2.000 development grant

    Music & Cinema Award
    Aimed at the 12 projects and 4 works in progress:
    Participation rights and invitation to Lab on Mars - European Market for Film Music Composition “3rd Character” organised by the International Festival Music & Cinema Marseille (France, March, 2026)

    Distribution Award - Radiator IP Sales
    Aimed at the 12 projects and 4 works in progress:
    Consultation on distribution and promotion strategy provided by Radiator IP Sales (Belgium)

    Mastering-in-kind Award - The Pack
    Aimed at the 12 projects and 4 works in progress:
    Consultation on distribution and promotion strategy provided by Radiator IP Sales (Belgium)

    Additional Opportunities

    SFC | Rendez-vous Industry: Participation rights aimed at the 12 projects in development and tailor-made consultancy for one of them

    Pustnik Residency: Participation rights aimed at one alum from ESP’s last three editions

  • MEET THE FESTIVALS  – HOW TO NAVIGATE THE FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT?

    Monday, 2 June 18:00 – 19:00📍 PLNT The Launch

    Festival representatives from major industry events and dedicated short film festivals share insights on programming, submission strategies, and how festivals support filmmakers. We will explore various distribution opportunities within the international festival circuit, offering guidance and insights from leading film professionals and programmers on how to navigate the festival circuit and find the right path for short films.

    Speakers: Asja Krsmanović (Sarajevo Film Festival), Aneta Ozorek (Kaboom Animation Festival), Julie Rousson (Clermont-Ferrand International Film Festival), Nihan Sivridag (Berlinale Shorts)

    Moderator: Oana Ghera (ESP)

    WHAT ABOUT SHORTS? –  RETHINKING THE SHORT FILM FORMAT IN A SHIFTING MEDIA LANDSCAPE

    Tuesday, 3 June 09:30 – 10:30📍 PLNT The Launch

    Traditionally seen as stepping stones to features, short films now hold a more complex and valuable place in today’s screen culture. This panel challenges old paradigms and explores how shorts function as a creative and professional form in their own right. With the rise of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and a myriad of VOD services, and increasing intersections with visual arts, the short film medium is evolving in both content and distribution. Speakers will examine funding, circulation, and audience-building strategies that reflect this shift.

    Speakers: Niels Putman (Curator and Film Critic, Kortfilm.be/ Talking Shorts),  Julian Ross (Curator and Researcher, Eye Filmmuseum), Jade Wiseman (Film Distributor, VideoPower)

    Moderator: Oana Ghera (ESP)

    THE POWER OF LOCALLY ROOTED STORIES - IN COLLABORATION WITH SCREEN TALENT NL:

    Tuesday, 3 June 14:00 – 15:00📍 PLNT The Launch

    Small, locally grounded stories often resonate powerfully with global audiences. But what gives these films their universal appeal? This panel explores the draw of culturally specific narratives and how filmmakers uncover themes that transcend borders. How important is authenticity, and how is it best achieved? What does it mean for filmmakers to tell stories rooted in their own culture, language, heritage, or history—and what creative challenges or freedoms come with that responsibility?

    During the discussion, directors and producers will share their experiences working with local stories, delve into the working process behind their films, and reflect on how these stories were received by international audiences.

    *The event is organised and held in collaboration with Screen Talent NL

    Speakers: Charlotte Driessen (Producer), Mete Sasioglu (Producer), Tim Ewalts (Director)

    Moderator: Luuk Heezen

    COPRODUCING GREEN – SUSTAINABILITY AND COLLABORATION IN SHORT FILM PRODUCTION 

    Thursday, 5 June 10:00 – 11:00
    📍 ESP Online Platform

    This roundtable discussion explores how international coproductions can rise to the growing call for sustainable filmmaking. It also examines the practicalities of implementing green practices across borders, with a particular focus on productions from low-capacity countries and regions.

    Speakers TBC

    FINANCING SHORT FILM COPRODUCTIONS IN EUROPE

    Friday, 6 June 10:00 – 11:00
    📍 ESP Online Platform

    An in-depth discussion with European film fund representatives on co-production opportunities, application strategies, and how to build solid international partnerships. Aimed at producers and filmmakers looking to understand the practicalities of accessing minority co-production support.

    Speakers TBC

  • PITCHING AND Q&A LIVE EVENT
    Monday, 2 June 14:00 – 17:00📍PLNT The Launch 

    All projects and participants will be presented to the professional audience during a hybrid event, where each pitch will be followed by a moderated Q&A. The Pitching and Q&A Live Event will be live-streamed.

    NETWORKING COCKTAIL
    Monday, 2 June 17:00 – 18:00📍 PLNT The Roof

    An informal social gathering with drinks offering professionals the opportunity to network, connect, and exchange ideas.

    ON SITE 1:1 MEETINGS
    Tuesday, 3 June 10:40 – 13:00 & 15:20 – 18:40📍 PLNT

     A full day of networking and one-to-one meetings with the project holders and on site guests.

    NETWORKING COKTAIL
    Tuesday, 3 June 18:30 – 19:30📍 PLNT The Roof

     An informal social gathering with drinks offering professionals the opportunity to network, connect, and exchange ideas.

    EUROPEAN SHORT PITCH AWARDS
    Tuesday, 3 June 20:30📍 PLNT Midi

    A celebratory prize-giving event to honour the most outstanding ESP projects of this edition.

    ONLINE 1:1 MEETINGS
    Tuesday, 5 June 09:00 – 20:00 📍 ESP Online Platform

    Friday, 6 June 09:00 – 20:00 📍 ESP Online Platform

    A full schedule of networking and one-to-one meetings with the project holders and online guests.