The European Film Market of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival will host a pitching session for six new film projects by independent Belarusian filmmakers. The event, which has already become an annual at EFM, is organized by the Belarusian Independent Film Academy (BIFA).

The pitching session will take place on February 14 at 12:00 in the CinemaxX Lounge. Here, 3 feature and 3 documentary projects by Belarusian filmmakers will be presented to representatives of the international film industry. The event is open and does not require market accreditation.

The presentation will feature projects at various stages of development that are still in search of producers, partners, and financing.

Selected projects:

“Small Talk” – Siarhei Kavaliou (Poland),

“Miss of the East” – Jana Shostak (Poland),

“Redhead Squirrel” – anonimous author and Ulyana Shargaeva (Poland),

“Kupala Night” – Lisa Chakanova (Czech Republic),

“From the Heart to the Sun” – Andrei Kashperski (Poland).

One film project remains anonymous in public communication. As in previous years, the participants prepared for the pitching together with mentors – international film experts Leena Pasanen and Stefano Tealdi.

Along with the pitching, the Belarusian Independent Film Academy traditionally organizes its own stand at the European Film Market. Visitors will be able to meet the BIFA team and project authors at the Marriott Hotel, stand #131, where professional meetings and networking activities will take place during the EFM from February 12 to 18.

The Belarusian Independent Film Academy was founded in 2022 as a non-governmental organization in exile with the aim of uniting and supporting independent Belarusian filmmakers. The Academy’s activities at international film markets and festivals are aimed at promoting Belarusian cinema, professional development of authors and creating opportunities for international cooperation.

BIFA’s participation in the European Film Market was made possible thanks to the support of the German Marshall Fund (GMF) and the Polish Institute in Berlin.