THREE OPEN CALLS AT THE 28TH THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival (5–15 March 2026) – one of Europe’s leading documentary events and an Oscars® qualifying festival – has announced three ongoing open calls as part of its AGORA industry platform. Projects can now be submitted to the Thessaloniki Pitching Forum 2026, Docs in Progress, and AGORA XR Lab.
Thessaloniki Pitching Forum 2026
Dates: 8–12 March 2026
Deadline: 26 November 2025
Up to 14 feature-length documentary projects, along with shorter docuseries, will be selected for the Pitching Forum. Eligible are both established and emerging directors (with at least one short film completed), provided that each project has a producer and director attached, and maintains either production or thematic ties to Southeastern Europe, the Mediterranean region, or North Africa.
All necessary information and the application form can be found here.
AGORA Docs in Progress
Dates: 8–12 March 2026
Deadline: 5 December 2025
This section is dedicated to projects in the post-production stage with production or thematic connections to the Mediterranean region and Southeastern Europe. Selected works will be presented to sales agents, distributors, producers, streaming platforms, and festival programmers with the goal of raising finishing funds, securing distribution partners, and ensuring festival premieres.
All necessary information and the application form can be found here.
AGORA XR Lab
Dates: 7–12 March 2026
Deadline: 26 November 2025
The newest AGORA initiative is a workshop dedicated to XR and new media projects in development. Up to five projects that merge film, digital media, new technologies, and performing arts will be selected. A key requirement is the involvement of at least two creative members (e.g. director–director or director–producer teams). AGORA XR Lab fosters innovation, interdisciplinary partnerships, and the expansion of audiovisual storytelling in the digital age. Attendance on-site is mandatory for selected participants.
All necessary information and the application form can be found here.