UP! is a new intensive five-day training program designed for emerging Baltic film producers working with short films. The program aims to strengthen producers’ professional skills and introduce participants to the international short film ecosystem, principles of co-production, self-presentation, communication, and distribution strategies.
The program format consists of two parts: theoretical seminars and practical workshops led by experienced film industry professionals, as well as participation in the events of the Baltic short film industry forum Baltic Pitching Forum. This format will help build a strong foundation for the professional growth of emerging producers, encourage networking and the development of new professional connections and contribute to their integration into the international film industry community.
UP! has been developed by the T-Port TalentBridge and the Baltic Pitching forum.
The program will be led by the UP! Head of Studies, producer Marija Razgutė (M-Films) and the T-Port TalentBridge Mentor at UP! Amos Geva. More info below.
The 2026 edition of UP! will take place on October 5–9 in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Applications close on 2nd August, 2026. Selected participants will be informed via email.
Rules and regulations HERE.
Application form HERE.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
September 29 – online introductory session for participants
October 5–7 – intensive “UP!” training sessions and creative workshops (for program participants only; preliminary schedule: 09:00–18:00 each day)
October 7–9 – participation in open “Baltic Pitching Forum” events, self-pitching sessions and networking with forum guests
ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS
The program is intended for Baltic emerging film producers who are:
- citizens of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania or who have permanent residency in one of these countries
- currently producing or planing to produce short films in the future
- seeking to improve their self-presentation skills
- seeking to gain deeper insight into the short film ecosystem, as well as co-production, communication and distribution strategies.
Expected number of participants: up to 15.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
October 5–7, 2026
Intensive training sessions and creative workshops. During the training, participants will be assigned practical tasks and will have the opportunity to consult with the program lecturers.
The final agenda of the training program will be announced by September 1, 2026.
October 6–9, 2026
Participation at the 14th edition of the Baltic short film industry event “Baltic Pitching Forum” and self-pitching sessions for all “UP!” producers. The Baltic Pitching Forum is a leading short film industry event in the Baltic region, showcasing the latest short film projects from the Baltics and the Guest Country, which in 2026 is Italy. Its main objective is to foster networking, collaboration, and co-production opportunities between Baltic short film creators and industry professionals from across Europe.
TRAINING PROGRAM PARTICIPATION FEES
The training program offers 2 participation fee options:
190 EUR. The participation fee includes:
- Participation in the training program
- Accreditation for the Baltic Pitching Forum
- Lunch during the training program and the Baltic Pitching Forum (October 5–9)
- Access to networking events
490 EUR. The participation fee includes:
- Participation in the training program
- Accreditation for the Baltic Pitching Forum
- Lunch during the training program and the Baltic Pitching Forum (October 5–9)
- Access to networking events
- 5-nights of accommodation in Vilnius
There is no application fee.
EXPERTS
Marija Razgutė
Marija Razgutė is a Lithuanian film producer and founder of the Vilnius-based production company M-Films, focused on director-driven fiction and international co-productions. Her recent credits include How to Divorce Du-ing the War (dir. Andrius Blaževičius), which premiered at Sundance FF 2026 and won the World Cinema Dramatic Directing Award. Marija is also behind the debut feature The Visitor (dir. Vytautas Katkus), which won Best Director award at Karlovy Vary FF 2025, and the Ukrainian–Lithuanian co-production To the Victory! by Valentyn Vasyanovych awarded as Best Film at Toronto FF 2025. Recently, she also produced Marija Kavtaradze’s Slow, which premiered in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance in 2023. A sophomore film by Karolis Kaupinis – Hunger Strike Breakfast – hit the top of Lithuanian box office in 2026. Razgutė and M-Films has been twice awarded Best Baltic Producer for Co-production at Tallinn FF PÖFF – for Slow (2023) and for Becoming (2025). Since 2024, she has served as a Board Member of the European Film Academy.
Amos Geva
Amos Geva is a film producer and industry professional specialising in film distribution, emerging talent, and international industry networking. He is the co-founder and managing director of T-Port, where he has supported over 2000 filmmakers in exhibiting their short films internationally. Active in selection committees for European film festivals and funding bodies, as well as a jury member for short film competitions, Amos also collaborates with leading international film schools and industry organisations. In addition to hosting industry talks, panels, and workshops, he has contributed to major film festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, Clermont-Ferrand, Tallinn Black Nights (POFF), and Torino. Amos is committed to fostering meaningful connections and accessible opportunities for emerging filmmakers across the international film industry.
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Baltic emerging producers training program UP! is organised by Lithuanian Short Film Agency Lithuanian Shorts in collaboration with T-Port TalentBridge. The main partner is Baltisches Haus.
Co-funded by:
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