We’re excited to share an exclusive opportunity for Romani members of RFN: as a nominating partner organisation, we can put forward candidates for the EFM Toolbox Programme 2027 – Berlinale’s specialised producers lab connecting emerging producers to the international film market. This is a chance to gain mentorship, industry access, and international connections at one of Europe’s most important film markets.
About EFM Toolbox
The European Film Market (EFM) is one of the world’s leading platforms for the global film, media, and entertainment industries, held annually alongside the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).
The EFM Toolbox Programme is an immersive, tailor-made lab that supports underrepresented, emerging producers from around the world in gaining first-hand, real-world experience through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and direct access to industry representatives.
- When: November 2026 – February 2027
- Where: Online & in Berlin (culminating at the EFM from 10 to 16 February 2027)
Who Can Apply
This call is open to individual Romani members of RFN. Supporters are not eligible, in line with RFN’s membership categories.
Toolbox is geared towards emerging fiction, documentary, or animation feature film producers looking to expand their network and knowledge of the international film market.
The candidate for an RFN nomination:
- has one or several feature film projects at various stages
- has a working knowledge of film production
- is business-proficient in English
- commits to participate in all online and onsite parts of the Toolbox programme
- is a Romani member of RFN
The focus of the programme is on acquiring new connections and knowledge about co-producing, international sales, and other key aspects of navigating the international film market – not on projects being at a particular stage of development.
What You’ll Gain
Before the EFM (November 2026 – early February 2027):
- 1-on-1 mentor sessions (8–10 hours over the course of the programme)
- Online workshops shaped around the group’s needs (e.g. pitching, funding and financing, international co-production, sales & distribution, legal basics, marketing & PR, market preparation)
During the EFM (10 – 16 February 2027):
- Roundtables, 1-on-1 consultations, industry meetings, and networking events
- Exposure to the Berlinale Pro ecosystem: the European Film Market, the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund
After the EFM:
- A wrap mentor session
- Continued support through the EFM Toolbox alumni network
How to Apply
Because RFN is the nominating body, our Romani members apply to us, not directly to EFM:
- Submit your application to RFN by 17 September 2026, including your CV, a motivational letter, and (if available) letters of recommendation. Send your documents via e-mail to romanifilmmakersnetwork@gmail.com.
- RFN reviews all applications and nominates 2–3 candidates to EFM Toolbox on 21 September.
- The EFM Toolbox team makes the final selection from all candidates nominated by partner organisations worldwide – around 30 producers are selected globally each year. Please note: being nominated by RFN does not guarantee a place in the programme.
Application deadline: 17 September 2026
If you are not an RFN member yet, but want to apply,
become a member now!
Good to Know Before You Apply
- The working language of the programme is English.
- Participation fee, travel to Berlin and accommodation (10 – 16 February 2027) are covered through RFN. In public communication about your participation, you have to acknowledge that you participate thanks to your RFN membership and with RFN’s support.
- You have to attend all online and onsite parts of the Toolbox programme.
- If selected, participants receive a full EFM market badge as part of their participation.
Questions?
If you have questions about this open call or your eligibility, get in touch at romanifilmmakersnetwork@gmail.com.