There’s still time to submit your project to the Short Pitch Program at Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025, but the clock is ticking! Designed for short documentary filmmakers from Central and Eastern Europe, this program offers a unique chance to present projects to a distinguished panel of industry experts, including sales agents, distributors, festival programmers, and TV network representatives.
Taking place on May 10, 2025, in Warsaw, Poland, the Short Pitch Program is open to documentary projects up to 25 minutes in the development or rough-cut stage. Selected filmmakers will receive valuable industry feedback, exposure, and networking opportunities to help propel their films forward. In addition, participants compete for prestigious awards:
- The Silver Eye Award, which includes a trophy and a year-long festival distribution service through East Silver Caravan.
- The DAE Pitch Talent Encouragement Prize, offering tailored mentoring from an industry expert.
Previous participants have described the program as a pivotal moment in their filmmaking journey.
Marta Smerechynska, director of Children Will Forget who participated in this program in 2023, reflected: “Familiar with the world of feature films, starting to work on shorts left me feeling lost. The Short Pitch Program became a unique opportunity to connect with professionals specifically interested in short films and explore possibilities for all my ongoing films, both completed and in progress."
Andreea Udrea, director of The Wind Blows Where It Pleases who also participated in 2023, emphasized the program’s role in shaping her film: “The Short Pitch Program helped me refine my project, making it both intimate and relatable. It also encouraged me to keep working on my story, as many programmers and distributors recognized its significance and its challenge to societal expectations.”
Marta Szymanowska, producer of Hidden who participated last year, highlighted the program’s collaborative spirit: “The Short Pitch Program offers a rare opportunity for short film creators to step outside their own perspective and engage with potential audiences. We received valuable feedback from industry professionals, some of whom we remained in contact with when the festival selection period for the film began.”
Applications must be submitted by February 21, 2025. The application process is free of charge.
APPLY NOW!