Dutch Film Talents to Cannes is an international training and networking programme for experienced emerging filmmakers. Organized by our colleagues at CineSud. During the Festival de Cannes, participants strengthen their international network, present themselves to the industry and prepare for the next step in their professional careers.
About Dutch Film Talents to Cannes 2027
Dutch Film Talents to Cannes gives a select group of filmmakers the opportunity to discover the international film industry from the inside. During the Festival de Cannes and the Marché du Film, participants follow a tailor-made programme focused on networking, professional development and building an international career.
The programme is not about promoting one specific film or project. The focus is on you as a filmmaker: your work, ambitions and next steps. How do you introduce yourself internationally? Which people and organisations are relevant to your career? And how do you turn a first meeting into a meaningful professional connection?
Through workshops, mentoring, industry meetings and networking events, participants prepare for Cannes and learn how to navigate one of the world’s most important meeting places for the film industry. They meet producers, sales agents, distributors, festival programmers and fellow filmmakers from different countries, while discovering how the international film landscape works in practice.
Participants also get access to the Marché du Film and selected activities of SFC | Rendez-Vous Industry. This creates space to explore new opportunities, exchange ideas and build relationships that can support future films and collaborations.
The goal is not to leave Cannes with as many business cards as possible, but with relevant connections, a stronger international network and a clearer idea of where you want to go next as a filmmaker.
The language of this program is English. More practical information you will find under ‘Practical information’ below.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for experienced emerging filmmakers from the Netherlands and Belgium who are ready to take the next step towards an international career.
Applicants have already built a solid foundation through previous short films and are looking to expand their network, develop future projects and establish themselves within the international film industry.
What are we looking for?
Applicants must:
- be based in the Netherlands or Belgium
- have directed at least two independent professional short films
- have completed a short film within the previous 12 months (work-in-progress submissions are also accepted)
- demonstrate a clear professional vision and international ambition
- be available for the mandatory kick-off and the full programme in Cannes
What should I submit?
Applicants must:
- be based in the Netherlands or Belgium
- have directed at least two independent professional short films
- have completed a short film within the previous 12 months (work-in-progress submissions are also accepted)
- demonstrate a clear professional vision and international ambition
- be available for the mandatory kick-off and the full programme in Cannes
Selection
Participants are selected based on:
- Participants are selected based on:
- Quality of previous work.
- Professional experience.
- International ambitions.
- Motivation.
- Potential benefit of participating in the programme.
- Diversity of the selected group.
All submissions are carefully assessed based on the published selection criteria. Depending on the programme, applications are reviewed by at least two independent assessors and may be complemented by external experts, an advisory committee and/or programme partners. CineSud and CineNord applies clear governance and integrity guidelines to ensure an independent and transparent selection process. Anyone with an actual or potential conflict of interest is excluded from the assessment and decision-making process.
Due to the high number of submissions, it is unfortunately not always possible to provide individual feedback.
Selection
Selected participants are expected to:
- Attend the mandatory kick-off meeting.
- Participate actively throughout the entire programme in Cannes.
- Represent themselves and the programme professionally.
- Take part in evaluation activities after the festival.
What are the participation costs?
Participation fee & partner support
The participation fee for Dutch Film Talents to Cannes 2027 is €1,000 (excluding VAT) per participant (open application). In case you submit via an official program partner, contact them beforehand and your participation may be sponsored.
This fee includes accommodation*, festival accreditation, participation in the complete programme, mentoring and all organised programme activities.
Participants may be able to apply for financial support through WerktuigPPO to cover part of the participation fee. Eligibility and the amount of support depend on the current conditions of WerktuigPPO.
New Noardic Wave goldmembers recieve a 5% discount
*Accommodation includes one guaranteed bed per participant in a room shared with a fellow participant, at a location no more than approximately 20 minutes by bus from the festival area.
Travel costs are not covered and remain the responsibility of the participant.
