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MIDPOINT Focus Queer 2027

Features
Open Call

Professional script and project development program designed to foster diversity in storytelling and provide crucial support to filmmakers in the realm of queer narratives.

Benefits Structure Fee and how to apply Scholarships Program Awards Tutors FAQs References Contact Partners Archive
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Benefits

Queer storytelling in spotlight

This training and networking platform targets international creative teams (writers, directors, and producers) who are actively developing feature fiction film projects with a queer focus.

For teams of writers, producers, and directors

Structure

A unique experience

Selected feature film projects undergo a two-workshop program that enables them to work closely on the script and project development, and provides them with financing, networking, and co-production opportunities.

Focus Queer 2027 will partially coincide with the Feature Launch 2027, creating additional opportunities for networking and exchange with tutors, experts, and participants. Queer film projects are welcome to apply to both programs. However, projects that would particularly benefit from being developed within a dedicated group of queer filmmakers and are encouraged to apply to Focus Queer, which offers a development environment specifically focused on queer stories and perspectives.

Fee and how to apply

OPEN CALL
SEPTEMBER 3 - OCTOBER 19, 2026

FEE

1200 EUR
per participant
The fee includes accommodation, board, and tuition during the residential workshop, and the industry accreditation for the Karlovy Vary IFF. Travel costs are NOT included.

Who can apply?

  • CREATIVE TEAMS of writer and/or director and producer (max. of 3 participants per team).

     

     

  •  PROJECTS 

    • Projects with LGBTQ+ character(s) and/or themes central to the story
    • Global eligibility: non-European projects should demonstrate an intention to co-produce with a European country.

Application requirements

To apply for the program, please create an account on the MIDPOINT Visitor Page and follow the instructions within the submission form, where you can also find detailed information about application materials. 

Submit application

Scholarships

Partial scholarships may be available, primarily for participants from low-production-capacity countries, war-affected regions, and those facing particularly challenging circumstances. Scholarships are limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Thanks to our partnership with the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, ERIAC members whose projects are selected to the Focus Queer program are eligible for a 500 EUR discount (per project) on the participation fee.

Program Awards

All awards are available to projects participating in either the Feature Launch or Focus Queer program.

KVIFF & MIDPOINT Development Award

A joint financial award of MIDPOINT Institute and the Karlovy Vary IFF of 10,000 EUR for the best project underlines the aim of the program itself – help emerging talents to develop their film projects. 

connecting cottbus Award

A selected project will be given the opportunity to present itself during the pitching event within the connecting cottbus co-production market. Participation will include individual consultations from international film professionals and one-on-one meetings with potential partners.

* Please note that the project must meet eligibility criteria to be considered for this award.

Rotterdam Lab Award

One producer will be handpicked to participate in the professional training program for producers, Rotterdam Lab, which takes place during the International Film Festival Rotterdam.v

Tutors

Inspirational professionals with a passion for sharing their experience

Group Leader

The Group Leaders oversee the development of projects in their group from the very beginning of the program through graduation. 

Sullivan Le Postec
France  
Sullivan Le Postec poured his years of experience as an activist in Lyon, where he helped organize the Pride march and worked in HIV prevention, into the creation of Les Engagés. The show, ...
Complete bio

Producer Mentor

The Producer Mentor oversees the development of all projects, advises them during the process regarding production and budgetary issues, and guides them through the European industry landscape.

Danijel Hocevar
Slovenia  
Danijel Hočevar is a film producer and CEO of Vertigo, a Ljubljana-based production company with a distinctive track ...
Complete bio

Producer Tutor

Katarina Tomkova ensures each team develops effective promotional materials and positions their project in an international context.

Katarina Tomkova
Slovakia  
Complete bio

Pitching Tutor

Gabriele Brunnenmeyer
Germany  

FAQs

You may ask...

  • Can I apply with an animation or documentary film project?

    Sadly, Focus Queer does not work with animation or documentary projects, as these require a different set of skills and addresses a different market.

  • I am just a writer/director and do not have a producer attached to the project yet. Can I apply?

    Unfortunately, no. The crucial part of the training leans in strengthening teamwork and building a strong creative team, which is why - the writer, director and producer must always participate together.

  • As a producer, why am I required to participate? Do I need to participate actively?

    Yes, exactly. We are aiming for producers who are used to (or want to start) being a part of the creative process, to know the project better, to understand it better to develop it better.

  • I'm not fluent in English, can I still apply?

    Sadly, no. As the entire training runs in English, and during the working days you'll be asked to write directly in English, we require an intermediate level of these language skills. This simply means: your grammar doesn't have to be perfect, but you need to talk/write fluently and have the vocabulary to do so.

  • Do I need to attend all the workshops in the program?

    Yes, to fully engage in the training, it is essential for all team members to be present at every module of the program. It is not possible to selectively choose which workshops to attend, nor can someone else be nominated to take your or your teammate's place without the permission of the program´s selection board. 

    If you are aware, at the time of application, that you will not be able to participate in all the modules as described in the program structure above, please reconsider your application or seek a dedicated teammate who can commit to completing the entire training. 

  • Can I send you the application materials via e-mail?

    We only accept applications submitted through our Visitor Page. Firstly, that way you can be sure your e-mail doesn't end up in junk, and secondly, all submitted materials are distributed to the selection committee via the Visitor Page (please see the 'Application' section).

References

Huge motivation boost and way to move your project to the next level

MIDPOINT Focus Queer changed the life of our project in some really beautiful ways -- the conversations we had in both March and July were incredible to the project's evolution and I am more excited than ever to make this film!
Sarah Sellman
Writer, Director, Focus Queer 2025 Alumna
Participating in the MIDPOINT Institute workshop has been a transformative experience. It offered not only a structured space to sharpen the storytelling and producing skills, but also a rare opportunity to connect deeply with mentors and fellow filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. The supportive atmosphere and constructive feedback pushed us to reflect more critically and creatively on the project. It’s a program that truly respects the voice of each participant while challenging you to grow beyond your comfort zone. Love the Queer gang!
Brendan Huang
Producer, Focus Queer 2025 Alumnus
it's a safe space to discuss projects and topics and the feedback and thoughts of the collective were extremely valuable to us.
Gabriele Simon
Producer, Intensive Queer 2024, Alumna
This workshop helped us presenting our project to the world. The dramaturgical advice was excellent and we had such a safe and warm atmosphere in our group work, where everybody tried to help each other, embracing our ideas and messages to the world.
Justina Jurgensen
Writer, Intensive Queer 2024, Alumna
It was not a program, it was a "dream come true" story! The best program in Europe!
Drago Bago
Writer, Producer / Intensive Queer 2023
MIDPOINT is an excellent space for creative collaboration and engaging with fellow peers regarding stories. It's a space where it makes you not only think critically about your own project, but that of others, which in turn sharpens your knowledge and skillset for understanding the core principles of story structure and character development. It's also really fun! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the 2023 MIDPOINT Institute and already can't wait to apply for the next round.
Taras Lesiuk
Writer, Director / Intensive Queer 2023
I love the group sessions. It is an experience that makes me feel criticism can be delivered in such a positive and loving way, totally inspired!
Popo Fan
Writer, Director / Intensive Queer 2023
Participating in the MIDPOINT Queer Intensive was a life affirming opportunity! Screenwriting and filmmaking can feel very isolating and it was a true joy to get to spend this time connecting with other artists and storytellers.
Annick Sheedy McLellan
Writer, Producer / Intensive Queer 2023

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Contact

Sona Morgenthalova
Program Coordinator
sona.morgenthalova@midpoint-institute.eu
Renata Goryszewska
Production
renata.goryszewska@midpoint-institute.eu

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