VdR–Rough Cut Lab

• Final Selection of projects February 2025
• VdR–Rough Cut Lab 6-9 April 2025

• Projects should be planned as a feature length film (duration over 60’ please note short films, series and interactive projects are not eligible).
• Projects from all over the world can apply.
• Projects must be in rough cut stage by Visions du Réel in April 2025 and must not have participated in any other rough cut lab prior to presenting at Visions du Réel.
• While the VdR–Rough Cut Lab  showcase is designed specifically to support experienced filmmakers, first-time directors are eligible to apply, particularly if working with an established producer or production company. 
• Directors must have completed a minimum of one short film.
• If selected, the director and editor are both expected to attend the event. In some cases, a creative producer can also participate.

To read more about the eligibility criteria, see our complete guide on rules and regulations here.

To apply, a submission form must be completed online here. An entry fee will be charged to cover the administrative costs of the submission.  Submissions from countries on this list can request a fee waiver by emailing us at industry@visionsdureel.ch.

• All submission forms must be filled out in English including additional written materials. Audiovisual materials should include English subtitles if in another language.  
• Incomplete submissions or submissions entered after the deadline may not be accepted. However, Visions du Réel will work hard to ensure that you can submit updated materials up until the time your project is assessed. 

Please note, applications for this activity have now closed for the 2025 edition. 

• Applicants submitting projects on or before the early deadline of 4 November will be required to pay a submission fee of CHF 30 (VAT included)
• A submission fee of CHF 40 (VAT included) will be required for submissions from 5 November to 13 December. 

The selection process will take place as a rolling process from November 2024  to February 2025. ​​The Artistic Director and Head of Industry, together with an international selection committee, select the projects for the VdR–Industry activities. An interview process for the final selection will be held in February. 

Selection Criteria

The main criteria for selection include: 

• the artistic quality of the project;
• its international potential; 
• financial feasibility 
• the track record of the directors and/or producers. 

The assembly or rough cut plays a key role in the assessment process for the VdR–Rough Cut Lab, as do the director’s and producer’s note, budget summary and financing plan. For a detailed list of all required elements for the submission, click here.

The Selection Committee reserves the right to choose the activity in which the project will be presented, according to the project timeline and in discussion with the submitter.

In order to avoid any conflict of interest in the project selection process, members of the selection committee who are decision-makers in the development of a project may not take part in discussions concerning it.

Selected projects will be asked to confirm their participation via email acceptance.

If selected, submitters will be asked to pay a one-off fee of CHF 200 (VAT included) to secure their participation. This fee will cover:

• Two INDUSTRY accreditations for the director and editor giving full access to the VdR–Industry programme as well as film screenings at the Festival. Additional accreditations for the team can be acquired at a reduced fee of CHF 160 (VAT included). 
• Full participation in the VdR–Rough Cut Lab.
• Delegate bag and VDR–Industry Catalogue, as well as further Industry materials
• Access to the online VdR–Industry services, including the Who’s Who guest registry and VdR–Film Market.

Please note, travel, hotel and additional meals must be covered by the project teams however we are glad to assist you with logistics to help ensure a great experience in Nyon. 

Teams from countries on this list may apply for travel support from Visions du Réel.