SUBMIT YOUR FILM OR PROJECT TO VISIONS DU RÉEL 2026
Submissions are now open for the 57th edition of Visions du Réel, one of the world’s most prestigious documentary film festivals, which will take place from 17-26 April 2026 in Nyon, Switzerland. The early submission deadline is 17 October 2025.
The call welcomes both completed films seeking world, international or European premieres, as well as new documentary projects looking for financing and creative support within the VdR-Industry programme.
Call for Films
The festival’s programming team is currently seeking feature, medium-length and short documentary films for the Official Selection. Two of the festival’s competitive sections are Academy Award® qualifying:
– International Feature Film Competition – showcases the most original and compelling contemporary feature-length documentaries. The Jury will select winners from among 14 titles, including 13 world premieres and one international premiere.
– International Medium Length & Short Film Competition – focuses on shorter forms of contemporary documentary cinema, celebrating their diversity and creativity. The Jury will select winners among 35 films, including 31 world premieres and four international premieres.
Call for Projects
The VdR-Industry team is also accepting submissions for new documentary projects at various stages of production, offering support in terms of financing, co-production, and creative development. The following initiatives are available as part of the programme:
– VdR–Pitching – for projects in late development seeking financing.
– VdR–Work in Progress – for films nearing completion and looking for festival partners, distributors, sales agents, or finishing funds.
– VdR–Rough Cut Lab – for projects in the rough cut stage.
– VdR–Development Lab – a nine-month mentorship programme for directors and producers, designed to support project development and facilitate access to the international market.
Submission Deadlines
Early deadline: 17 October 2025 Final deadline: 15 December 2025 VdR–Development Lab deadline: 6 November 2025More information about submission rules and required materials can be found here.