CINEMART — INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM

Open to filmmakers and producers from any country in the world. Both a director and producer must be attached. Up to two projects per production company. Requirements: (1) Feature film of minimum 60 minutes intended for theatrical release; (2) Budget not exceeding EUR 6 million; (3) At least national development funding or third-party investment secured; (4) Set up as a co-production with international market potential; (5) New to the international market — priority given to world premiere market status (projects shown at one national/regional market may still be eligible; email cinemart@IFFR.com to confirm). For immersive/XR projects, use the dedicated CineMart Immersive call. African filmmakers who have previously received HBF support have a dedicated CineMart x HBF pathway — contact IFFR directly. Evidence of Openness to African Submissions CineMart and IFFR have a documented, decades-long commitment to African filmmaking. The HBF has supported African filmmakers since the 1980s, and HBF alumni regularly feature in CineMart selections. The 2026 CineMart selection explicitly highlighted projects from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. IFFR Pro Director Marten Rabarts stated: “Balancing breakthrough talent and celebrated auteurs at the height of their careers, this year’s selections underline CineMart’s role as a place where discovery and established filmmaking meet.” The CineMart x HBF strand was created in 2026 specifically to give HBF-backed projects (many of which are African) a dedicated market platform. Over the past two decades, African and diaspora films have consistently entered IFFR’s Tiger, Big Screen, shorts, and commissioned programme sections, not siloed in a separate African sidebar but integrated as equals. HBF-CineMart alumni have gone on to win the Silver Bear at Berlinale and screen at Cannes. IFFR explicitly accommodates African filmmakers facing payment restrictions from their home countries. Submission Tips for African Filmmakers CineMart selection criteria assess: (1) Talent — demonstrable style and storytelling mastery through previous work; (2) Relevance — the urgency and distinctiveness of the project; (3) Potential — editorial fit with IFFR’s programming line, market potential, and readiness to be presented to partners. The committee values “a balance of distinct voices, different subjects and cinematic styles... and a balance of gender and representation.” Strategy: Apply for the Hubert Bals Fund first (entry 10 in this guide) — HBF support gives you the CineMart x HBF fast-track pathway. Have at least some national development funding confirmed before applying. Submit at the early deadline for maximum consideration time. Do not submit if your project has already been presented at two or more co- production markets — contact them first to discuss eligibility.