Locarno Open Doors Lab
About this opportunity
Open Doors Lab is an intensive capacity-building programme for emerging producers and filmmakers from regions with developing film industries. Held during the Locarno Film Festival, it combines workshops, one-to-one meetings with international industry professionals, and pitching sessions for projects in development.
Application tips
Check each year's focus region carefully before applying. The programme values producers who demonstrate a strong commitment to building sustainable film infrastructure in their home countries.
Related opportunities
Berlin International Film Festival
Opens: July · Closes: September
One of the most prestigious talent development programmes in world cinema, Berlinale Talents brings together 200 emerging film professionals for six days of labs, workshops, and masterclasses during the Berlin International Film Festival. The programme fosters cross-disciplinary exchange and offers direct access to industry leaders and the festival ecosystem.
goEast Film Festival
Opens: October · Closes: February
The East-West Talent Lab at the goEast Film Festival brings together 12 non-fiction projects in development and up to 8 producers (who may apply without a project) for workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentoring sessions with established film professionals. Two prizes are awarded: a Research Grant of EUR 3,500 for projects addressing human rights and/or minority rights, and the Pitch the Doc Prize (EUR 500 professional development).
Documentary Campus
Opens: February · Closes: April
DCampus Workshops (formerly Documentary Campus Masterschool) is a 10-month incubator for Europe's documentary and factual media professionals, combining intensive training, international mentoring, and direct market access. The programme features two in-person workshops and three online sessions led by internationally recognised experts from broadcasters including ARTE, Netflix, and HBO, alongside dedicated one-to-one mentorship. Approximately 70% of DCampus projects enter production. The programme culminates in a final pitch at the SILBERSALZ Science and Media Festival in Halle, Germany.