Coproduction Forum 2026
1-2 June and 4-5 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 2026 edition, taking place on site on 1–2 June in Leiden and online on 4–5 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 2026 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:
EMILIA MAZIK
The Netherlands
Go Short
LAURENCE RILLY
France
ARTE
TINA TISLJAR
Croatia
Eclectica
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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
POST-PRODUCTION AWARD - VIDÉO DE POCHE
Aimed at the 4 works in progress: 2 days of colour grading (no colourist, no conforming provided) and DSM image export, offered by Vidéo de Poche (France)
MASTERING-IN-KIND AWARD - THE PACK
Aimed at the 4 works in progress: DCP mastering and 4K upscaling offered by post-production company The Pack (Belgium)
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)
MUSIC & CINEMA AWARD
Aimed at the 12 projects and 4 works in progress: Participation rights and invitation to Lab on Mars - International Market for Film Music Composition "3rd Character" organised by the International Festival Music & Cinema Marseille (France, March, 2027)
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIESSFC | 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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INSIDE FILM FESTIVALS – WHAT MAKES THE CUT?
Monday, 1 June 18:00 – 19:00📍 PLNT The Spotlight
A panel providing insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of film festivals, including how selections are made and what artistic and practical considerations guide film programmers and curators. This session aims to demystify the work of film festivals, making their processes clearer and more transparent for filmmakers, while helping them develop a more effective short film festival strategy.
Speakers: Miguel Dias (Programmer, Vila do Conde IFF), Jasper Hokken (Programmer, IDFA), Nihan Sivridag (Programmer, Berlinale Shorts), Zulfikar Filandra (Programmer, Sarajevo IFF)
Moderator: Oana Ghera (ESP Industry Coordinator)
YOU’VE GOT A SHORT, NOW WHAT? – SALES, DISTRIBUTION AND VISIBILITY
Tuesday, 2 June 09:30 – 10:30📍 PLNT The Spotlight
This panel explores short film distribution through the practical lens of distributors and sales agents, focusing on how marketing works in practice - from positioning to building visibility across festivals, platforms, and alternative circuits. Structured around three case studies of short films, the conversation aims to unpack strategies around premieres, audience targeting, and long-term exposure, while addressing wider industry challenges and opportunities.
Speakers: Zahra Benasri (Distributor and Sales Agent, Hors du bocal), Vladimir Nadein (Producer and Distributor, Gargantua), Jade Wiseman (Distributor, Video Power)
Moderator: Oana Ghera (ESP Industry Coordinator)
CASE STUDY: INTEGRATING GREEN PRACTICES IN FILM PRODUCTION
Thursday, 4 June 15:00 – 16:00
📍 ESP Online PlatformFrom green storytelling to sustainable production practices and the philosophy behind impact producing, the session will explore how films can address environmental issues on all levels of development of a project, with a particular focus on the integration of green practices in film production. Drawing from three short film case studies, the session will present concrete approaches to sustainable filmmaking, from pre-production planning and on-set practices to post-production workflows. The session is presented in collaboration with Ecoprod and StepUP.
Speaker: Alissa Aubenque (Head of Operations and International at Ecoprod)
FINANCING SHORT FILM COPRODUCTIONS IN EUROPE
Friday, 5 June 10:00 – 11:00
📍 ESP Online PlatformAn 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.
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PITCHING AND Q&A LIVE EVENT
Monday, 1 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, 1 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, 2 June 10:40 – 13:00 & 14:20 – 18:00📍 PLNT
A full day of networking and one-to-one meetings with the project holders and on site guests.
NETWORKING COCKTAIL
Tuesday, 2 June 18:00 – 19:00📍 PLNT The Roof
An informal social gathering with drinks offering professionals the opportunity to network, connect, and exchange ideas.
ESP AWARDS
Tuesday, 2 June 20:00 - 23:00📍 PLNT Midi
A celebratory prize-giving event to honour the most outstanding ESP projects of this edition.
* Open to accredited industry guests onlyONLINE 1:1 MEETINGS
Thursday, 4 June 09:00 – 20:00 📍 ESP Online Platform
Friday, 5 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.
