FIRST FEATURE LAB
Presented by the Film Talent Academy – in collaboration with Festival de Cannes – SFC Rendez-vous Industry
The First Feature LAB is an intensive two-phase program designed to support emerging writer-directors as they take the leap from short films to their debut feature. Combining professional mentorship, development tools, and international exposure, the LAB provides selected participants with a rare opportunity to sharpen their creative vision and pitch their projects on a global stage.
PHASE 1 – Online Masterclasses & Linz ISFF Residency
From September to October 2026, selected participants will first engage in a series of online masterclasses focused on pitch training and project development.
In October, they will attend a 4-day residency during the Linz International Short Film Festival, where they will pitch their feature projects in front of a professional selection committee. All participants in Phase 1 will receive a certificate of participation.
From this group, approximately 5 feature film projects will be selected to move on to Phase 2.
PHASE 2 – Mentoring & Cannes Pitch Event
Running from December 2026 to May 2027, Phase 2 includes personalized mentorship, script feedback, and intensive project development sessions.
The program culminates in an exclusive pitch session at the Marché du Film during Festival de Cannes 2027, connecting filmmakers with global producers, collaborators, and industry representatives.
Graduates of the LAB will be featured on the Talent page of the Linz ISFF website, and their final projects will be showcased in future editions of the festival.
ELIGIBILITY
- Role of the Applicant: The writer and director must be the same person.
- Previous Experience: Applicants must have completed at least one or two short films.
- Project Requirement: The program supports debut feature film projects in development.
- Selection Criteria: Applicants from all over the world are chosen based on the strength of their project, filmmaking potential, and vision.
- Commitment: Availability for both phases (online and in-person) is mandatory.
- Language: English proficiency is required.
- Participants: Up to 10 filmmakers will be selected for Phase 1.
Deadlines:
- Regular: April 25, 2026
- Late: June 28, 2026
Participation Fee:
-
- Application fee: Free
- Phase 1: €850
- Phase 2 (if selected): €3,200
SHORT FILM LAB
Presented by the Film Talent Academy – in collaboration with Festival de Cannes – SFC Rendez-vous Industry
The Short Film LAB is a dynamic two-phase development and industry-access program for promising emerging filmmakers developing their next short film. Designed to sharpen creative concepts, build professional networks, and elevate international visibility, the LAB helps filmmakers position their projects for success.
PHASE 1 – Online Masterclasses & Linz ISFF Residency
From August to October 2026, participants will join online masterclasses focused on pitching strategies and project presentation.
In October, filmmakers will attend a 4-day residency during the Linz International Short Film Festival, where they’ll pitch their short film projects in front of a selection committee.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation. Around 10 projects will be selected to continue to Phase 2.
PHASE 2 – Mentoring & Cannes Pitch Event
From December 2026 to May 2027, selected filmmakers will receive focused mentorship, script guidance, and project refinement.
The program concludes with a high-level pitch session at the Marché du Film during Festival de Cannes 2027, offering direct access to international co-producers, curators, and industry professionals.
Projects and participants will be featured on the Talent page of the Linz ISFF website, and final short films will be screened at future editions of the festival.
ELIGIBILITY
- Role of the Applicant: The writer and director must be the same person.
- Previous Experience: Applicants must have completed at least one short film.
- Project Requirement: Projects must be for a short film currently in development.
- Selection Criteria: Applicants from all over the world are chosen based on their project quality, filmmaker vision, and potential for impact.
- Commitment: Full availability for both phases of the program is required.
- Language: English proficiency is necessary.
- Participants: Up to 20 filmmakers will be selected for Phase 1.
Deadlines:
- Regular: April 25, 2026
- Late: June 28, 2026
Participation Fee:
-
- Application fee: Free
- Phase 1: €850
- Phase 2 (if selected): €2,500
SCRIPT LAB
Script Lab is an intensive development program designed for filmmakers working on short and feature film screenplays. Combining personalized mentorship, group-based analysis, and guided rewriting processes, the Lab supports participants in strengthening their scripts and refining their storytelling approach.
The program follows a structured development process that moves from diagnosis to collective exploration, and finally to targeted revision.
The Script Lab is a development-focused program. Participants are expected to actively engage in discussions, provide feedback to others, and commit to rewriting their projects throughout the Lab.
PROGRAM FORMAT
* 2 individual mentoring sessions
* 3–4 group development sessions
* Guided feedback and facilitation throughout the Lab
* Focus on rewriting and practical development tools
* Duration: 10 weeks (online)
Initial Mentoring
Each selected project begins with a one-on-one mentoring session. This session focuses on identifying the core challenges of the screenplay, clarifying the dramatic premise, and defining a clear direction for rewriting. Participants will leave this session with a structured development plan tailored to their project.
Group Development Sessions
Participants will take part in a series of group sessions focused on specific aspects of screenwriting, including:
* Dramatic core & logline
* Character & motivation
* Structure & turning points
* Scene construction & dialogue
Each session combines peer feedback with guided discussion, moderated by the Lab facilitator. The group environment allows filmmakers to both receive feedback on their own work and develop analytical skills by engaging with other projects.
Final Mentoring Session
Following the group development phase, each project will receive a final one-on-one mentoring session. This session focuses on evaluating the rewritten material, refining remaining issues, and defining the next steps for further development or production.
ELIGIBILITY
Role of the Applicant: Open to emerging writer-directors.
Previous Experience: Applicants should have prior experience in screenwriting and filmmaking.
Project Requirement: Applicants must apply with a film concept and treatment (short or feature-length). Projects can be at treatment or first draft stage
Selection Criteria: Applicants from all over the world are selected based on the strength of their concept, storytelling potential, and artistic vision. The writer and director should be the same person.
Commitment: Participants must be available for all sessions
Language: English proficiency is required.
Participants: Up to 10 short film projects, Up to 5 feature film projects
Deadlines:
- Regular: April 25, 2026
- Late: June 14, 2026
Participation Fee:
- Application fee: Free
- Short Film 1: €850
- Feature Film: €1,200