Open Call: Directors Village 2026

DIRECTORS VILLAGE 2026

A 5-day training residency program

@Euregion Film Forum, Heerlen & Maastricht, March 18-22, 2026

Are you an emerging director-writer ready to take your next short fiction film to the next level? Would you like to work thoroughly on your short film script, director’s vision and directing actors?

Submit your project and become a part of the Directors Village during Euregion Film Forum 2026. Twelve filmmakers from different countries will be selected to take part in the residency training program, designed and developed by CineSud and organised in collaboration with Screen Talent Europe.

Directors Village is a 5-day on-site European residency training program to enhance and develop the skills of the directors-writers and help you prepare for your next (short film) project. During the Directors Village you’ll work intensively on script development, refining your director’s vision, and collaborating with actors. The week includes expert-led group sessions, coaching, and networking events to help you bring your project to the next level.

Previous projects developed within Directors Village were selected for prestigious film festivals such as Venice International Film Festival, Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival and Cork Film Festival.

The 2026 edition will be guided by acclaimed coaches:

• Sofia Norlin (Sweden, Netflix director)

• Martin Strange-Hansen (Denmark, Oscar-winner)

• Janneke van Heesch (Netherlands, film & series director)

The program combines group sessions, script development, directing workshops, and actor collaborations, along with film screenings, networking lunches and dinners, and other Euregion Film Forum events. Previous projects developed at Directors Village have gone on to festivals such as Venice, Brussels International Fantastic, and Cork Film Festival.

Who can apply?

Directors-writers who have already made at least one short film and are now working on a new short fiction project. Applications are open until December 1, 2025.

👉 Read the full program details and apply via CineSud: Directors Village 2026

Financial support from Mediefabrikken

If you are selected as a participant through Mediefabrikken, your participation fee and travel costs will be fully covered.

The residency itself already includes workshops, accommodation, and catering – so you won’t have to worry about extra expenses.

When filling out the application form, make sure to indicate that you are connected to Mediefabrikken in order to be considered for this support.

Contact

For questions about the program: CineSud / Head of Program and Talent, Anna Demianenko / anna@cinesud.nl

For questions about funding, travel etc: Mediefabrikken / Marte L. Østby-Deglum / marteo@afk.no

Screen Talent Europe

screentalent.eu