New Terrains: EFM DocSalon at Berlinale 2027 Group Attendance – Open for Applications

New Terrains: EFM DocSalon at Berlinale 2027 Group Attendance – Open for Applications

Dates of delegation: Thu 11 Feb - Tue 16 Feb 2027

The BFI’s International Fund, with the collaboration of the BFI Doc Society Fund, are inviting applications from experienced, independent UK producers who have documentary feature film projects in active development, production or post-production, to take part in a group attendance at EFM DocSalon during the Berlin International Film Festival between Thursday 11 February 2027 and Tuesday 16 February 2027 in person in Berlin, Germany.

What is the EFM DocSalon?

DocSalon is a specialised programme running as part of the European Film Market (EFM) during the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany. A dedicated annual meeting hub and networking platform for the documentary community, the 9th edition of DocSalon in 2027 will host a programme of curated talks addressing current developments in the documentary landscape; tailored, pre-scheduled meeting formats; and a range of dedicated networking activities. More widely, EFM is one of the top three meeting places of the international film industry, bringing together an approximate 12,500 international industry delegates annually.

For this group attendance, up to seven experienced, independent UK documentary producers will be selected to participate, giving them access to:

• participation in a dedicated UK Documentary Showcase, open to all EFM accredited industry, at which the producers will pitch a feature film documentary project looking for international co-producers and partners
• DocSalon industry programme of talks, roundtables and one-to-ones
• DocSalon dedicated meeting space
• Documentary-specific networking events, including the Doc Lunch
• EFM market and conference programme, including access to other market programmes such as Animation Days, Producers and Innovation Hub, Series Market

Eligibility

To apply to take part in this group attendance, you must:

• be a producer working in the UK screen sector on a freelance basis, or in a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) that is not substantially owned by a non-UK entity, broadcaster, streamer or studio
• be a UK resident
• have at least one lead producer credit on a completed feature film or TV project (one-off long-form programme or series) that has been released or broadcast commercially in the past five years

Get in touch with the team if you are unsure whether you are eligible for this fund: international@bfi.org.uk

What costs are covered for participants?:

Please see the BFI International Connections Fund – Group Attendance at EFM DocSalon in Berlin, Germany in February 2027 page for the full details and criteria and to apply.

The award will cover:

• return economy international travel between the UK and Berlin, Germany, up to a total of £300
• up to five nights’ hotel accommodation in Berlin, Germany
• EFM Market accreditation
• reasonable travel within the UK to and from the point of international departure (no taxis unless related to access requirements)
• local travel in Berlin, Germany (if required)

We will organise the majority of the group attendance on behalf of successful applicants but will ask individuals to make their own international travel arrangements. We expect to reimburse eligible international travel costs to successful applicants after the attendance has taken place. However, we may approve an early reimbursement of eligible international travel costs (prior to the attendance) on a case-by-case basis.

You cannot use funding for:

• subsistence costs (general refreshments, meals, or per diems) other than any stated above
• hotel incidentals
• travel insurance (essential)
• upgrading of flights or train tickets
• any marketing or press activity associated with your attendance at the Event
• additional baggage or freight costs associated with attending the Event

If you require access support to take part in the group attendance, you will be able to detail your requirements and any associated costs in your application. If your application is successful, we will let you know the total contribution towards these costs that we can cover.

We define access support as specific help required by people who are disabled or have a physical or mental health condition, which will result in a verifiable additional cost. These costs might include additional transport costs for disabled screen professionals, or transport and accommodation costs for a personal assistant to accompany you on the trip.

To apply

Please read the full guidelines on the BFI International Connections Fund – Group Attendance at EFM DocSalon in Berlin, Germany in February 2027 page where you will find the application link.

The deadline for application is Tuesday 27th October, 10am GMT.

Applicants will be notified by Wednesday 18th November about the outcome of their application.

If you have any questions please contact: international@bfi.org.uk