Every thought that takes shape in the imagination deserves the chance to one day come alive on screen. The iFilm Pitching Event offers a fair and professional platform for those with original ideas to put their dreams to the test; ideas that will not only be heard, but also supported all the way to production and professional broadcast.
This event is an innovative step toward iFilm’s goals of discovering emerging talents and elevating the status of short films. We believe that short cinema is the birthplace of many cinematic innovations and creative ideas. By providing the right platform, we can witness the rise of remarkable works that are valuable and impactful both artistically and in their message.
“Pitching” is a process that combines art, intelligence, and skill, allowing creators to present their ideas, concepts, or even parts of their creative work in an engaging and convincing way to producers, investors, commissioners, and media executives. This event aims to promote this valuable skill among young and talented Iranian filmmakers, giving them a unique opportunity to be seen and to receive the support they need.
The iFilm Pitching Event is designed and implemented within this very framework:
1. Goals and Vision
Our vision is to draw a bright horizon for short films; one where:
Discovering and supporting short-film makers: Our main goal is to identify emerging talents and provide them with comprehensive support in turning their ideas into lasting screen productions. This support includes specialized training, facilitating the production process, and creating opportunities for their work to be seen.
Promoting cultural, artistic, and value-based approaches in productions: We aim to support works that reflect the cultural richness and the noble human and social values of Iranian society as well as diverse communities around the world. Priority will be given to projects that present fresh and profound perspectives on meaningful concepts.
Providing a platform for practical training in pitching and systematic project development: A significant part of the pitching process is learning how to present a project effectively. Our workshops help participants acquire the skills they need to show their projects in the best possible way.
Building a network among filmmakers, producers, and distributors: This event provides a valuable opportunity for professional connections between filmmakers, investors, producers, and media executives, helping to smooth the path for the production and distribution of works.
Producing works fit for wide screening on iFilm and at festivals: One of the most important outcomes of this event is the production of short films with high artistic and technical quality; works that can gain recognition both nationally and internationally, and ultimately reach wider audiences through the iFilm network.
2. Support
Selected participants in this event will benefit from comprehensive and specialized support, including:
Intensive professional training from renowned pitching experts: Chosen participants will attend practical, hands-on workshops led by experienced pitching professionals who have shown their work at prestigious international events, sharing their knowledge and expertise.
Opportunity to present projects in a live pitching session with investors, commissioners, buyers, and media executives: The best projects will have the chance to present their ideas in a formal, in-person session. This is a golden opportunity to attract financial supporters and build professional connections.
Financial support for short film production: Selected projects will receive funding tailored to their budget for the production of their short films. Filmmakers will also have access to step-by-step guidance and mentorship from experienced production experts.
Financial support for short film production: Selected projects will receive funding tailored to their budget for the production of their short films. Filmmakers will also have access to step-by-step guidance and mentorship from experienced production experts.
Broadcast of selected works on the iFilm network and feature in review programs: All selected and supported films will be broadcast on the iFilm network. In addition, these works will be introduced and reviewed in the network’s specialized programs, providing filmmakers and their films with greater visibility.
3. Six Steps of the Event:
- Step One: Call for entries and opening of the event website for submitting initial ideas and project proposals.
- Step Two: Review of the proposer’s background and experience (the proposer must demonstrate through their background that they have the capability to fully develop the submitted idea).
- Step Three: Educational program on how to pitch effectively and turn an idea into a formal pitching guidebook.
- Step Four: Pitching session (winners from previous steps will have a set time to present their projects to buyers, investors, commissioners, and media executives).
- Step Five: Support from the event organizer (iFilm) and other partners for the presented projects and the start of the production process.
- Step Six: Event celebration and award ceremony for winners, along with broadcasting of the films across iFilm’s global network channels.