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MIDPOINT Focus Queer 2025

Features
Open Call
EXTENDED DEADLINE: November 30, 2024

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

Tutors Benefits Structure Awards Fee and how to apply FAQs Contact Partners Archive
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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  
Film producer and CEO of Vertigo, a Ljubljana (Slovenia)-based production company with a distinctive track record and ...
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

The Pitching Tutor prepares participants to present themselves and their projects, in general and for the final pitching session of the program.

Gabriele Brunnenmeyer
Germany  
Complete bio

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.

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.

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
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.
OPEN CALL / EXTENDED DEADLINE
September 5 - November 30, 2024
SPECIAL SUPPORT FOR GREEK FILMMAKERS
Thanks to the new MIDPOINT partnership, Mastercard—the official payment partner of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival—will fully support Greek filmmakers selected for our MIDPOINT Focus Queer program. This includes covering all travel, accommodation, and participation fees for selected filmmakers.

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:

  • Basic information about the project 

  •  One Page Synopsis

  • Treatment

  • Selected scene

  • Motivation video

  • Author´s statement

  • Preliminary financing plan

  • Producer´s statement

  • Production company profile

  • Previous work of the director

  • Photos and professional biographies of all team members

  • Moodboard (optional) 

Please note that a detailed description of the requested materials can be found on the submission form!

Submit application

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).

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Contact

Sona Morgenthalova
Program Coordinator
sona.morgenthalova@midpoint-institute.eu

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