Professional script and project development program designed to foster diversity in storytelling and provide crucial support to filmmakers in the realm of queer narratives.
MIDPOINT Focus Queer 2025
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
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
Producer Tutor
Katarina Tomkova ensures each team develops effective promotional materials and positions their project in an international context.
Pitching Tutor
The Pitching Tutor prepares participants to present themselves and their projects, in general and for the final pitching session of the program.
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
- Creative development /script & project
- Presentation skills and promotion
- Financing and co-production opportunities
- Pitching & Networking at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
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.
MIDPOINT Focus Queer 2025 will partially coincide with the MIDPOINT Feature Launch 2025, enhancing networking possibilities and leveraging the presence of tutors and experts during these events. Queer film projects are welcome to apply to both MIDPOINT Feature Launch and MIDPOINT Focus Queer to maximize their chances of acceptance. However, if your project would benefit from being developed within a dedicated group of other queer projects, we recommend applying specifically to MIDPOINT Focus Queer. This specialized track offers a supportive environment focused on queer narratives and community.
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ALL PARTICIPANTSWorkshop 1March 3-9, 2025 (5 working days) | Prague, Czech Republic
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ALL PARTICIPANTSOnline ConsultationsApril-June, 2025 | Online
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ALL PARTICIPANTSWorkshop 2July 2-9, 2025 (6 working days) | Prague and Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, in collaboration with the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Awards
Eurimages Co-production Development Award
For the first time, Karlovy Vary IFF will host the Eurimages Co-production Development Award of 20,000 EUR for one of the projects in development presented within their Eastern Promises Industry Days.
MIDPOINT Focus Queer 2025 projects are also eligible to compete for this award, which will be granted based on the
project´s artistic quality and its prospects of remaining a European co-production.
Fee and how to apply
Fee
1200 EUR
OPEN CALL / EXTENDED DEADLINE
Who can apply?
- Creative teams of writers and/or directors and producers (2-3 participants per team)
- Projects featuring LGBTQ+ characters and/or themes central to the story
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.
The application materials consist of:
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Basic information about the project
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One Page Synopsis
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Treatment
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Selected scene
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Motivation video
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Author´s statement
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Preliminary financing plan
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Producer´s statement
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Production company profile
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Previous work of the director
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Photos and professional biographies of all team members
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Moodboard (optional)
Please note that a detailed description of the requested materials can be found on the submission form!
FAQs
You may ask
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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).