Open Doors Connect: Locarno Film Festival's Program for Creative Producers (August 5-15, 2026)
February 7, 2026
Open Doors Connect is a selective program for creative producers focused on accessing the international market and building south-south collaborations.
The program takes place at the Locarno Film Festival from August 5-15, 2026.
Open Doors Connect provides a platform for producers from underrepresented regions to connect with international co-producers, financiers, sales agents, and festival programmers. The initiative emphasizes south-south collaboration, enabling filmmakers and producers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East to forge partnerships that bypass traditional north-south funding models.
Participants benefit from:
- One-on-one meetings with industry professionals
- Masterclasses and panel discussions on co-production strategies
- Networking events designed to facilitate long-term collaborations
- Access to the Locarno Film Festival's industry market and screenings
The Locarno Film Festival, held annually in Switzerland, is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious film festivals, known for its commitment to auteur cinema and emerging voices in world cinema.
Applications for Open Doors Connect typically open several months before the festival. Producers interested in participating should visit the official Locarno Film Festival website for eligibility criteria and application deadlines.