EFM Toolbox Programme 2027

Berlinale European Film Market (EFM) and the New Zealand Film Commission invite submissions from emerging New Zealand producers for the EFM Toolbox Programme 2027. EFM Toolbox is a specialised producers lab that supports emerging producers from underrepresented communities around the world. It takes place in person at the European Film Market (EFM, Berlin, Germany), and online in the four months leading up to EFM (Nov 2026 – Feb 2027).  

With a programme of one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and direct access to industry representatives, the course supports producers to reach the next stage of their career. Workshops include topics such as pitching tools and training, funding and financing, international co-production, and marketing.

The NZ Film Commission will curate a shortlist from which EFM Toolbox will select one NZ producer to participate alongside approximately 30 producers from around the world.

What to expect:

Before the European Film Market

• 1-on-1 mentor sessions of around 8-10 hours over the course of the programme  
• Online workshops developed from the needs of the group.
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During the EFM

• Roundtables with industry experts e.g. sales agents, festival programmers, distributors, funds
• 1-on-1 consultations, industry meetings, networking events  
• Exposure to the Berlinale ecosystem: European Film Market, Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, World Cinema Fund.
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After the EFM

• Wrap mentor session  
• Continued support from the EFM Toolbox alumni network
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Are you eligible to apply?

You are eligible to submit an EOI if you:

• Are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident; and
• Are from an underrepresented community, and
• Are available to fully participate in the programme; and
• Are an emerging fiction, documentary, or animation feature film producer; and
• Have one or several feature film projects in various stages of development and production; and
• Have received development or Fresh Shorts or He Kauahi Catalyst funding from the NZFC; or
• Have participated in an intensive development programme funded by the NZFC. Examples of these programmes include (but are not limited to) International Placements, Local Placements, Episode One, Story Camp Aotearoa, FilmUp, A Wave in the Ocean, Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab. The successful applicant will receive a place on the programme and a one-off grant (Funding) of up to $6,500NZD towards associated costs, including flights and accommodation. Any additional costs above the amount of the grant available must be covered by the applicant.
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What to do if you are interested:

Submission Requirements

• A one-paragraph biography
• Your CV  
• A cover letter explaining where you are at in your career, your filmmaking experience, your suitability for the programme, the projects you are currently working on, and what you hope to gain from the programme.
• A brief summary of the projects you are working on.  
• A link to the piece of screen work you produced that you are most proud of.
• More information can be found at this link: EFM Toolbox Programmes and D&I Initiatives - European Film Market
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To submit an application in the EFM Toolbox programme 2027, please apply via the portal by 1pm Wednesday 19 August, 2026.

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