The Belarusian Independent Film Academy (BIFA) held its second pitching session at the European Film Market of the Berlinale. Ten feature film projects by Belarusian authors were introduced to international industry professionals at the Martin Gropius Bau in Berlin on February 15, 2025.

The participants had the chance to present their projects in development, connect with potential partners, and get valuable feedback. As last year, the preparation process was guided by mentors Leena Pasanen and Stefano Tealdi.

One of the selected filmmakers — Belarusian director Artsiom Lobach, author of the documentary project Lithuania Minor — received a special opportunity following the event: an invitation to take part in the East-West Talent Lab at the 25th goEast Festival of Central and Eastern European Film in Wiesbaden. 

Alongside the pitching, BIFA operated its own stand at the EFM at the Marriott Hotel — an important space for visibility, networking, and direct exchange with the international film community. We plan to continue our presence at this key industry event in 2026.

BIFA congratulates all the filmmakers who took part — and we’ll be closely following how their projects develop from here.

BIFA’s participation at the EFM was made possible with the support of the Trzy Trąby Foundation, the Goethe-Institut, and German Films.