FESTIVALS

Launched in 1995 “by filmmakers, for filmmakers,” Slamdance is an Oscar®, BAFTA, and CSA-qualifying festival known for discovering breakout indie voices like Nolan and Bong Joon Ho. It screens features, shorts, episodes, and disability-focused works in its Unstoppable category.

Key Details:

  • Extended Deadline: October 13, 2025

  • Event Dates: February 19 – 25, 2026

  • Location: Los Angeles, California, US

Held near Frankfurt, Germany, TAUNALE is an international festival showcasing features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, and experimental works. It emphasizes networking, panels, and open-air screenings, with a jury of acclaimed filmmakers and actors awarding €3,500 in prizes across six categories. Use code 50TAUNALE to SAVE 50% on the submission fee.

Key Details:

  • Earlybird Deadline: November 30, 2025

  • Event Dates: August 5 – 9, 2026

  • Location: Oberursel, Germany

FUNDING & PROGRAMS

A new CMF initiative supporting mid-career Canadian digital creators on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The 6-month program helps expand audiences and monetization while strengthening professional content strategies.

Key Details:

  • Deadline: October 30, 2025

  • Support: Audience growth, monetization strategy, mentorship

  • Eligibility: Canadian digital creators

A prestigious European training and development program for documentary filmmakers with at least two years’ experience. Selected participants receive mentorship in story development, financing, and international co-production, preparing projects to reach global audiences.

Key Details:

  • Deadline: December 1, 2025

  • Support: Mentorship, financing strategy, co-production opportunities

  • Eligibility: Experienced documentary professionals (Europe-based)

TOOLS & RESOURCES

Pocket Cinema (Sponsored Message)

Coming late 2025, Pocket Cinema, the first streaming app dedicated to premium vertical series. Short, powerful stories crafted for your screen, produced with the quality of cinema. Our launch slate spans various genres rarely explored in vertical form. We’re reimagining what vertical viewing can be.

A free, open-source non-linear video editor available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Kdenlive supports multi-track editing, effects, transitions, and proxy workflows, making it a reliable and lightweight alternative to commercial software like Premiere Pro.

JOBS

Paramount is hiring an Executive Assistant to support its Direct-to-Consumer Global Content leadership team. The role involves calendar management, travel coordination, research, and event organization for West Hollywood offices.

Key Details:

  • Location: West Hollywood, California, US

  • Type: Full-time

  • Pay: $56,000 – $85,000 USD/year

DarkVision, a Koch Engineered Solutions company, is hiring a full-time Graphic Designer to create visual assets for print, digital, and multimedia campaigns. The role works closely with marketing and product teams to ensure brand consistency and creative excellence.

Key Details:

  • Location: North Vancouver, BC, Canada (On-site)

  • Type: Full-time

  • Pay: CAD $80,000 – $100,000/year

INDUSTRY PULSE

Slovak filmmaker Tereza Nvotová’s Father took home the Golden Eye for Best Feature at the 21st Zurich Film Festival. The Venice-premiered drama, based on a true story, follows a man’s life spiraling after a tragic lapse of memory and will represent Slovakia in the 2026 Oscar race.

Estimated read: 2 min

While promoting her new film Eternity at the Hamptons International Film Festival, Elizabeth Olsen acknowledged the growing “superhero fatigue” but said she’s open to returning as Wanda Maximoff. Olsen emphasized that Marvel movies are “for fans, not critics,” adding that the franchise has given her both creative satisfaction and professional stability.

Estimated read: 3 min

Put your brand in front of working filmmakers, writers, crew, and industry professionals. Get in touch.

Crew Calls

Crew needed? Share your crew call with us and we’ll feature it in the newsletter. Submit here.

Be the Next Spotlight

Want the industry to notice your work? Apply to be featured in an upcoming issue. Apply as Creator. Apply with Project.