VdR–Pitching

• Submissions open 8 August 2025
• Early Submission Deadline 17 October 2025
• Final Submission Deadline 15 December 2025
• Final Selection of projects February 2026
• On site pitch training (compulsory for selected projects) 19 April 2026
• VdR–Pitching Showcase & Curated Meetings 20-22 April 2026

• 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 late development stage (not having entered production). 
• Projects must be presenting publicly for the first time at Visions du Réel.
• Projects do not need to have financing attached at the time of submission.
• While the showcase is designed specifically to support experienced filmmakers with an interest in co-production and co-financing, 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 as well as the producer are expected to attend the event. 

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

Projects submitting to the VdR–Pitching may be eligible for the €20,000 Eurimages Co-Production Development Award, presented in partnership with Eurimages.

In addition to the eligibility requirements outlined above, selected projects will immediately be eligible for this prize if they adhere to the following criteria:  

• be conceived as co-productions from the early development stage for reasons other than simple co-financing;
• be presented by one or more independent production companies from a Eurimages member State or associate member State, with the intention of involving at least one other production company from a different Eurimages member State (but not an associate member State if the company presenting the project is from an associate member State). One or more companies from one or more non-member States may also join the project up to a maximum total participation of 30% in development financing;
• must not have previously submitted to the Eurimages Co-production Support Programme.

You will be asked to indicate your intention to be considered for this prestigious award in the VdR–Pitching submission form, which you can access here. Visions du Réel may seek more information from you about your project, should you be selected.

To apply, a submission form must be completed online. 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. 

• Applicants submitting projects on or before the early deadline of 17 October 2025 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 18 October to 13 December 2025. 

Selection took place as a rolling process from November 2025 to February 2026. ​​The Artistic Director and Head of Industry, together with an international selection committee, selected the projects for the VdR–Industry activities.

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. 

Visual materials (such as teaser, selected scenes etc.) play a key role in the assessment process as do the director’s and producer’s statement, budget summary and financing plan. For the 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 360 (VAT included) to secure their participation. This fee will cover:

• Two INDUSTRY accreditations for the director and producer 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).
• Pitch training with an experienced professional (online and onsite). 
• Full participation in the public pitch, roundtable discussions and pre-arranged individual meetings.
• 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.