Introducing the ESP Works in Progress 2025 Line-up!
As the Coproduction Forum approaches, European Short Pitch, supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, is pleased to announce the selection of four outstanding works in progress that complete the ESP 2025 programme.
In addition to supporting projects through early development, European Short Pitch offers a dedicated space for short films in post-production. This segment gives selected filmmakers the opportunity to present extracts from their rough cuts, connect with co-producers, distribution and sales partners, and gain visibility across the European short film landscape.
The ESP 2025 works in progress selection brings together bold cinematic voices from across Europe:
Kontrewers by Zuza Banasińska / Poland, Netherlands, produced by ALE ALE / Aleksandra Aleksander
Mammalia by Elia Kalogianni / Greece, produced by Open Borders / Alex Tiliopoulos
Paid Mourners by Ovsanna Gevorgyan / Armenia, produced by Glass Doll Pictures / Vardan Hakobyan and Kinoket Productions
Shallow Ground by Jozo Schmuch / Croatia, produced by Academy of Dramatic Art / Ana Martinović
This year’s line-up includes 3 fiction films and 1 hybrid work. The selection spans a range of unique perspectives and approaches, with themes exploring war, the power of possession, animal-human relations, and grief. Together, these films underscore the programme’s commitment to original storytelling from emerging European voices.
The four works in progress will join the 12 projects in development already announced at the ESP 2025 Coproduction Forum. The event will take place on site at Leiden Shorts on 2 and 3 June 2025 and online on 5 and 6 June 2025. Each team will present their project in front of a curated group of producers, distributors, sales agents and festival representatives, followed by individual meetings.
European Short Pitch is proud to collaborate with Leiden Shorts for the first time, continuing its mission to champion the most promising short film talents in Europe.
