Apply for a place on IFFR Rotterdam Lab 2026

We are offering two emerging producers and one writer/director the chance to take part in Rotterdam Lab at International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2026.

As the film and television market gets ever more global, the Rotterdam Lab, organised as part of IFFR Pro, is an invaluable opportunity to be part of a five-day training workshop that offers emerging international professionals the means to build and develop their networks and learn about new developments in the industry.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Rotterdam Lab, a new initiative expands its reach with a new dedicated strand for creators - writers and directors. This track is designed for filmmakers who want to deepen their understanding of the production process, strengthen their creative partnerships, and develop entrepreneurial skills to navigate today’s increasingly complex financing and production landscape, where many creators must also self-(co)produce.

While the original Lab empowers producers, this new programme gives creators a full-immersion introduction to the business of film and the inner workings of the audio-visual industry. Participants gain insights into financing, (co)production, sales and distribution, legal frameworks, and revenue streams—knowledge shared by leading experts and practitioners. The aim is to equip creators to collaborate more effectively with producers and build sustainable, long-term creative partnerships.

With funding from BFI NETWORK and our own Lab Travel Grant programme, we're offering two emerging UK producers the opportunity to attend the Lab in Jan/Feb 2026, as well as one UK writer and/or director to attend the new dedicated Creators strand.

Apply by Thursday 20 November 2026, 11:59pm (GMT)

What's included?

Selected participants will benefit from five nights' hotel accommodation and a  five-day Rotterdam Lab Programme and CineMart accreditation. Accreditation entitles participants to attend all screenings and significant events. Once notified, selected participants will be eligible to apply for a Travel Grant to support the cost of travel to the Lab.

Shortlisted applicants for the Lab are nominated through the festival's partner organisations - and the British Council is the UK partner sourcing the best emerging filmmaking talent from across the UK. We are now looking to draw up a shortlist of UK applicants for the Rotterdam selection committee, which will then select the final participants.

Who can apply?

Producers for Rotterdam Lab:

We are looking for emerging producers from across the UK to take part who can demonstrate a strong interest in expanding their international network and working beyond their local context. This could include independent producers with their own companies, or junior producers working for a production company.

Candidates should have produced a minimum of two short films and/or be working on their first or second feature film. Existing films should be an international co-production or applicants should be working on their first international co-production.

Writer and/or Directors for Rotterdam Creators Lab:

The Creators Lab is designed for filmmakers - primarily directors and writer-directors - who have shown strong artistic potential through standout short films with international circulation or a completed debut feature.

This strand supports creators ready to take the next step toward global visibility, stronger partnerships, and greater agency in the international film industry.

Rotterdam Lab (including both the producers and creators strand) runs from 31 January – 4 February 2026

How to apply

To apply, please send:

• a CV/filmography
• company profile (if applicable)
• letter of motivation

(no more than one page per document)

Send to joanna.duncombe@britishcouncil.org with subject 'British Council Rotterdam [PRODUCERS/CREATORS*] Lab 2026 Application *please delete as appropriate.

Lab Grant applications for UK-based participants on the Rotterdam Lab programme must have come through this official British Council call out. Only two UK-based producers, and one UK based writer/director will be selected for funding from this call-out. (It is possible that other Rotterdam partners will select UK participants who have not applied to the lab through this route, however they will not be eligible for this funding).

The deadline for applications is Thursday 20 November 2025 at 11:59PM.

Applicants will be notified by w/c 1 December 2025.

Applications made after the deadline will not be considered.

For more information please visit iffr.com/en/rotterdam-lab