We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for emerging filmmakers as part of the T-Port TalentBridge 2026 program! Following the success of previous editions, T-Port is once again hosting a dedicated workshop and mentoring initiative during the 2026 SFC | Rendez-vous Industry led by Cinéma de Demain at the Cannes Film Festival – Marché du Film. Supported by the Creative Europe MEDIA program and the German Federal Film Board (FFA).
Deadline for submissions: March 15, 2026
Taking place May 17-20, 2026, Cannes Film Festival, France
About The Workshop
This intensive workshop is designed to empower filmmakers — particularly first-time Cannes attendees — with the essential tools and knowledge to navigate the festival and market effectively:
- A comprehensive introduction to the Festival de Cannes and Marché du Film, including its structure, key players, and essential protocols
- Practical tools for professional interactions, building meaningful connections, and developing multicultural communication strategies
- Resilience-building strategies for managing competition, rejection, and the emotional demands of fast-paced networking
- Actionable follow-up practices to maintain and strengthen professional relationships beyond the festival
The program will be led by T-Port’s Director Amos Geva and Senior Studies Manager Fatih Abay. Activities will take place primarily during the SFC | Rendez-vous Industry program (May 17–20, 2026), though participants are encouraged to attend between May 14–20 and may extend their stay through the end of the festival.
Selected participants will receive festival accreditations valid from Tuesday, May 12th through the end of the festival. The standard Festival de Cannes badge grants access to professional areas including the Palais des Festivals, Riviera, and Pantiero, as well as official screenings and SFC | Rendez-vous Industry events — including breakfasts, talks, panels, and networking opportunities. Please note that advance registration is required for some events due to limited capacity.
Programme Structure
- Daily morning gatherings for goal-setting and schedule planning
- Independent exploration of the market and festival during the day
- Access to curated SFC | Rendez-vous Industry events
- Ongoing mentorship and support throughout the festival
- Networking opportunities and recommendations
Who Can Apply?
- Filmmakers currently enrolled in an advanced stage of film school, or recent graduates who have completed at least one short film in the past two years
- Preference will be given to filmmakers developing their next short film or first feature
- Applicants must have a profile on T-Port (if you don’t currently have one, you can create a profile here; fees may apply)
- Filmmakers may apply together with one producer from their film
- Participants must be able to attend in person in Cannes, covering their own travel and accommodation costs or securing support from a local film fund or institution
What You Need to Prepare
- CV/biography and filmography
- Portfolio (previous short film work)
- Personal statement explaining your motivation for applying and your career goals
- A brief description of your next project in development (short film or first feature)
To ensure full accessibility, priority is given to diversity, gender equality, inclusion, and representation across artistic genres (documentary, fiction, animation, etc.).
Travel and Accommodation Support
- A limited number of travel grants (€100–300) may be available for participants from low-capacity production countries as defined by Creative Europe MEDIA (Group A or B), as well as for students or those experiencing financial difficulties. If you require financial support, please indicate this in your submission to be considered for a travel grant.
- Please note that T-Port is unable to cover 100% of travel and accommodation expenses.
Fee
Selected participants will be asked to contribute €350 toward the workshop and mentoring program. Scholarships and fee waivers are available for a limited number of participants experiencing financial difficulties — please indicate this in your submission if applicable.
Please note: A €24 environmental contribution applies to every accreditation request, in accordance with Festival de Cannes policy.
Submission
Please use this form to submit your application.
A maximum of 8 film directors will be selected to participate in the program. Each filmmaker may be accompanied by one additional team member (producer, writer, or other).
Deadline for submissions: March 15, 2026 Selected filmmakers will be notified by the end of March 2026.
Important Notes
- Travel and accommodation costs are not covered entirely
- By submitting a project, you confirm your availability to attend Cannes if selected
- Participants must be able to cover expenses or secure alternative funding
For any questions, please contact us at info@tportmarket.com
We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting the next generation of filmmaking talent at Festival de Cannes – Marché du Film 2026!
Best wishes,
T-Port Team
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