RTM Pitch Opens for 2026, Offering Rotterdam Filmmakers €20,000 Prize
The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has launched its 2024 RTM Pitch, offering local filmmakers in Rotterdam the chance to win significant funding and professional support to bring their projects to life. Sponsored by the municipality of Rotterdam, the initiative seeks to boost the city’s filmmaking talent by providing a platform for emerging creators.
One selected filmmaker will receive a grant of €20,000 to produce their film, which will premiere during the RTM program at the IFFR in January 2026. This filmmaker will also benefit from bespoke coaching, ensuring their project reaches its full potential through personalized guidance from experienced industry professionals.
This year, IFFR has partnered with talent agency QISSA, known for supporting underrepresented voices in film. Through this collaboration, another filmmaker will receive a development grant of €5,000, along with support in refining their film plan. Furthermore, five additional creators will be chosen for tailor-made coaching, which can range from script development to production advice or fundraising support.
The jury responsible for selecting the winners will consist of IFFR programmers and film experts from the festival’s Short & Mid-length film program. They will evaluate submissions based on the strength of the filmmakers’ proposals, including the story concept, cinematic vision, and the creator’s potential.
Filmmakers interested in applying must submit a detailed plan for a short film between five and twenty minutes in length. This can be done through a written director’s statement or a three-minute video pitch. Applicants are encouraged to provide supporting materials, such as images or previous work, to enhance their submission.
The RTM Pitch competition is a cornerstone of IFFR’s ongoing commitment to nurturing creative talent in Rotterdam. As IFFR director Vanja Kaludjercic has emphasized in the past, the festival “strives to empower local voices and offer platforms for emerging filmmakers to flourish within the international film landscape.”
The submission deadline for RTM Pitch 2024 is Monday, November 25, 2024. Aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to develop their projects with financial support, expert mentorship, and the chance to premiere their work at one of the world’s leading film festivals.
For more details and to apply, filmmakers can visit the IFFR website and submit their film plan via the official form. Those with further questions can contact the festival team at rtm@IFFR.com.