Coproduction Forum 2025
2-3 June and 5-6 June / Leiden (The Netherlands) and Online
The Coproduction Forum is an international pitching and networking event dedicated to short film projects and works in progress, held annually as part of European Short Pitch.
The 2025 edition, taking place on-site from 2–3 June in Leiden and online from 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.
Prior to the Forum, participants benefit from tailored online editing and distribution consultations, as well as pitching training to prepare for the showcase. During the Forum, the 4 works-in-progress will screen rough cut extracts and present their specific needs to a curated panel of producers, festival programmers, sales agents, and distributors, followed by one-to-one meetings with industry professionals.
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 fostering meaningful co-production and distribution opportunities across the continent.
ALESSIA ACONE
The Netherlands
IFFR Pro
THE JURY:
JULIETTE CANON
France
Semaine de la Critique - Cannes
CARLA FOTEA
Romania
microFILM
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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
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MONDAY, 2 JUNE
14:00 – 17:00 📍PLNT The Launch
Pitching and Q&A Live Event
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.
17:00 – 18:00📍 PLNT The Roof
Networking Cocktail
An informal social gathering with drinks offering professionals the opportunity to network, connect, and exchange ideas.
18:00 – 19:00 📍 PLNT The Launch
Panel discussion: Meet the Festivals – How to Navigate the Film Festival Circuit?
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)
TUESDAY, 3 JUNE
09:30 – 10:30 📍 PLNT The Launch
Panel discussion: What About Shorts? – Rethinking the Short Film Format in a Shifting Media Landscape
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)
10:40 – 13:00 & 15:20 – 18:40 📍 PLNT
1:1 meetings
A full day of networking and one-to-one meetings with the project holders and on site guests.
14:00 – 15:00📍 PLNT The Launch
Panel discussion in collaboration with Screen Talent NL: The power of locally rooted stories
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
18:30 – 19:30 📍 PLNT The Roof
Networking Cocktail
An informal social gathering with drinks offering professionals the opportunity to network, connect, and exchange ideas.
THURSDAY, 5 JUNE ONLINE
09:00 - 20:00 1:1 meetings - A full schedule of networking and one-to-one meetings with the project holders and online guests.
10:00 – 11:00 Online panel
Coproducing Green – Sustainability and Collaboration in Short Film Production
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
FRIDAY, 6 JUNE ONLINE
09:00 - 20:00 1:1 meetings - A full schedule of networking and one-to-one meetings with the project holders and online guests.
10:00 – 11:00 Online panel
Financing Short Film Coproductions in Europe
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