The FilmFestival Cottbus is once again inviting directors and screenwriters from across Europe to submit their ideas for PICKASTORY 2026.
Unlike traditional screenplay competitions, PICKASTORY focuses on the very first spark of a film: a compelling logline. Five selected projects will be presented to the FilmFestival Cottbus audience, who will vote for the idea they would most like to see developed into a feature film.
The winning project will receive four expert mentoring sessions in dramaturgy and production to develop the idea into a package ready for film funding. In addition, the project will be presented to producers at the 2027 edition of connecting cottbus, the East-West Co-Production Market.
Who can apply?
The call is open to directors and screenwriters from across Europe with professional experience in the audiovisual industry, including both established filmmakers and emerging talents.
The idea should be set in Central or Eastern Europe or filmmaker has to have a link to this region (e.g. residence/home country of the filmmaker).
Submission deadline: 15 September 2026 (midnight CEST).
We look forward to discovering the next great film idea.