Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The Eurimages Co-production Development Award (CPDA) provides €20,000 in non-reimbursable funding for early-stage international co-productions in fiction, animation, and documentary films. Targeting independent production companies from Eurimages member States, the award promotes creative collaboration, majority-controlled financing, and international partnerships to strengthen cinema production quality and reach.
Program Overview
The Eurimages CPDA is designed to support independent production companies in developing feature-length films for cinema release, encouraging creative collaboration across countries rather than simple co-financing. It targets early-stage international co-productions, enabling producers to cover development expenses, refine scripts, assemble creative teams, and prepare projects for full production.
This award is a non-reimbursable subsidy of €20,000 provided exclusively for eligible development costs of projects with a minimum duration of 70 minutes. It fosters international collaboration, promoting cultural diversity and high-quality cinematic storytelling across Europe.
Key Objectives
-
Promote independent feature-length film development in fiction, animation, and documentary
-
Encourage cross-border co-productions between Eurimages member States
-
Support creative and financial control for producers from member States
-
Ensure projects are eligible for cinema release
-
Strengthen gender balance, international visibility, and sustainability in the film industry
Eligible Projects
-
Film Types: Feature-length fiction, animation, and documentary
-
Minimum Duration: 70 minutes
-
Independent Production: Majority ownership by nationals of Eurimages member States
-
International Collaboration: Participation of at least one independent production company from a different Eurimages member State
-
Exclusions: Projects previously submitted to the Eurimages Co-production Support Programme
Eligible Applicants
-
Independent production companies from Eurimages member States
-
Must maintain majority participation in development financing
-
Companies from non-member States may participate up to 30% of development financing
-
Must meet defined independence criteria regarding audiovisual media service providers
Funding Details
-
Award Amount: €20,000
-
Use of Funds: Cover development expenses such as script development, research, workshops, and preparatory production activities
-
Agreement: Winners sign a formal agreement specifying the award amount and conditions with Eurimages
Co-production Market Eligibility
Eligible co-production markets must:
-
Be annual international events lasting at least two consecutive days
-
Have been established for a minimum of three years
-
Be held in a Eurimages member State
-
Involve professionals from at least ten member States
-
Be legally authorized to enter into partnership agreements with Eurimages
-
Demonstrate added value, international reach, visibility, outreach, gender equality, and environmental sustainability measures
How to Apply / How It Works
-
Select a Co-production Market: Ensure the event meets Eurimages’ eligibility criteria
-
Prepare Development Plan: Include project synopsis, financing plan, and timeline
-
Submit Eligible Projects: At least eight projects per award, ensuring gender balance
-
Provide Required Documentation: Development financing plan and declaration of compliance with Eurimages’ exclusion criteria
-
Award Agreement: The selected co-production market signs a partnership agreement with Eurimages detailing the subsidy and obligations
Selection Criteria
-
Eligibility of production companies and project compliance with Eurimages rules
-
International collaboration and participation of companies from multiple member States
-
Creative quality and potential of the project
-
Feasibility of the development plan
-
Contribution to gender equality and environmental sustainability
-
Visibility and outreach strategy for the project
Common Mistakes and Tips
-
Submitting projects already considered for the Eurimages Co-production Support Programme
-
Failing to demonstrate majority participation by member State nationals
-
Ignoring gender balance or sustainability requirements
-
Submitting incomplete financing plans or missing compliance declarations
Tips:
-
Clearly outline international partnerships and financing structure
-
Provide realistic timelines and budgets for development expenses
-
Include measurable outreach and visibility strategies
FAQs
1. What types of films are eligible for the CPDA?
Feature-length fiction, animation, and documentary films with a minimum duration of 70 minutes.
2. Who can apply?
Independent production companies from Eurimages member States with majority participation in financing.
3. Can non-member State companies participate?
Yes, but up to 30% of development financing.
4. How much funding is provided?
€20,000 as a non-reimbursable subsidy for development expenses.
5. Can projects previously submitted to Eurimages support programmes apply?
No, projects previously submitted to the Co-production Support Programme are ineligible.
6. How many projects must be submitted per market?
At least eight eligible projects to ensure fair competition and gender balance.
7. What documentation is required?
A detailed development financing plan and a declaration of compliance with Eurimages’ exclusion criteria.
Conclusion
The Eurimages Co-production Development Award offers essential early-stage funding to independent European filmmakers, enabling collaborative, cross-border co-productions that maintain creative control and promote international reach. By supporting development expenses, fostering gender balance, and emphasizing sustainability and visibility, the CPDA strengthens the foundation for successful feature-length films in fiction, animation, and documentary genres. This award is a strategic tool to elevate Europe’s independent cinema and cultivate innovative, collaborative storytelling.
For more information, visit Council of Europe.