GOTHAM WEEK PROJECT MARKET (New York)
Gotham Week is the annual industry event of The Gotham (formerly IFP), America's oldest and most established organisation supporting independent film. The Project Market is a curated marketplace where selected fiction and documentary projects in development or production meet with financiers, sales agents, distributors, and producers over several days of scheduled meetings. Gotham Week takes place annually in September/October in New York City. The Gotham has international partnerships including with Telefilm Canada. Projects are selected through an open application process. The Gotham also runs the Gotham Awards (formerly IFP Spirit Awards), one of the most important independent film award ceremonies.
Deadline
Annual, September/October. Applications typically open in spring. Check thegotham.org for 2026 dates.
Cost
Application fee. Gotham membership may be required.
Format
Feature fiction and documentary. Projects in development or production.
Eligibility
Independent filmmakers globally. Projects must be in active development or production. Fiction and documentary.
What You Get
Scheduled meetings with US and international financiers, sales agents, and distributors. Access to the full Gotham Week industry programme. Visibility in the world's largest independent film market. Gotham membership benefits.
What to Submit
Project application including synopsis, director's statement, producer's statement, budget, and financing plan.
Insider Tips
The Gotham Project Market is a strong US entry point for African filmmakers seeking American distribution or financing. New York is home to many documentary funders (including ITVS, already in this guide) and independent distributors. If you have secured initial funding from African or European sources (DFM, Berlinale WCF, HBF), the Gotham Project Market can help you connect with US completion financing and distribution.
Watch thegotham.org from spring 2026 for Project Market application dates.
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
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