Pickastory is a competition at the FilmFestival Cottbus that focusses on the basic idea for a film, involving THE AUDIENCE from the very beginning, a crucially important point of view when it comes to filmmaking, which is often overlooked.
This year, for the 5th time the audience of the FilmFestival Cottbus will be able to vote for their favorite film idea, choosing from a list containing only loglines of projects which have not been developed yet: which of these ideas would they find most attractive when made into a film?
The winner will receive expert feedback and advice to further develop the idea into the full package (film story, production dossier) within the following year and will have the opportunity to present this to producers during the 2024 edition of connecting cottbus East-West Co-Production Market.
What are we looking for?
Loglines for fiction feature films without limits with regards to topic or genre. The idea must either be set in Central or Eastern Europe or the filmmaker must have a link to this region (e.g. residence/home country of the filmmaker). We are looking for new ideas. Projects that are already in some stage of development are not eligible.
What is a logline?
A logline is 25 words maximum, describing your entire story.
It goes to the heart of what a project is about in one or two sentences, defining the theme of the project, suggesting a genre and a bigger meaning.
Who can apply?
Directors and screenwriters from all over Europe. We are open for submission by experienced filmmakers and debutants who have proven professional experience in the audiovisual industry (at least 2 short films written / directed and internationally screened).
When is the deadline?
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 (midnight CEST)
What do you need to submit?
- A logline with a maximum of 25 words for a project that is not yet in development.
- A short CV including Filmography (up to 2.500 characters)
- Your contact details.
The submission is free of charge.
Please submit your entry via this entry form: SUBMISSION LINK
By submitting a logline you declare to be the owner of the rights in the idea submitted.
How does the selection process work?
A jury composed of industry professionals and regular audience members of the festival will decide on a preselection of loglines. This shortlist will be available for voting online until the start of the festival November 6th, 2024. The award will be presented at the Award Ceremony of the FilmFestival Cottbus on November 9th, 2024.
The winner will receive expert feedback and advice to further develop the idea into the full package (film story, production dossier) within the following year and will have the opportunity to present this to producers during the 2025 edition of connecting cottbus East-West Co-Production Market.
Please note!
All decisions by the jury and by the process of the audience voting are final and may not be contested. Filmmakers whose entries have been selected for competition will be previously informed by email. Therefore, please make sure to provide a valid email address with your submission.
For more information or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at
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We look forward to reading your ideas!!
initiated by Ognjen Sviličič and Claritta Kratochwil