VdR–Rough Cut Lab

• Submissions open: 8 September 2026
• Early submission deadline: 2 November 2026
• Final submission deadline: 15 December 2026
• Final selection of projects: End of February 2027
• VdR–Rough Cut Lab & in-person curated meetings: 11–14 April 2027
• Virtual Visions online curated meetings: 20–21 April 2027

• Projects should be planned as a feature length film with a duration over 60 minutes. (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 2027 and must not have participated in any other rough cut lab prior to presenting at Visions du Réel.
• While the lab 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 the complete Terms & Conditions 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. 

Fee waivers are available for productions coming from countries on this list. To request a waiver, you may email industry@visionsdureel.ch with the subject line: Fee Waiver Request – (Project Title) and indicate the production location.

• 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. 

A detailed list of all required elements for the submission can be found on our Materials Checklist here.

• Applicants submitting projects on or before the early deadline of 2 November 2026 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 3 November to 15 December 2026.

The selection process will take place as a rolling process from October 2026 to February 2027. ​​Projects for the VdR–Industry activities are selected by the Artistic Director and Head of Industry, together with an international selection committee. Online interviews for the final selection will be held in February. 

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.

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 rough cut or assembly plays a key role in the assessment process, as do the director’s and producer’s note, budget summary and financing plan.

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 access to all film screenings, talks, masterclasses, pitches and ancillary activities during the Festival). Additional accreditations can be acquired at a reduced rate of CHF 160 per person.
• Full participation in the four-day Rough Cut Lab and pre-arranged individual meetings (in-person and/or online).
• Online induction session.
• Access to VdR–Industry lunches, happy hours, soirées, and further networking opportunities. 
• Access to VdR–Industry Opening Night Party.
• Access to VdR–Industry Awards Ceremony and Closing Night Party.
• Delegate bag and Festival catalogue, as well as further Industry materials. 
• Access to the online VdR–Industry services and materials (VdR–Who’s Who networking portal, VdR–Film Market, etc.).

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.