Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
Eurimages is inviting established audiovisual initiatives such as festivals, markets, and labs to host the Eurimages New Lab Awards. Selected partners will present either an Innovation Award (€20,000 for projects in development) or an Outreach Award (€30,000 for work-in-progress projects targeting international audiences). The initiative must be based in a Eurimages member State and demonstrate a strong track record in supporting innovative and experimental audiovisual projects.
What Are the Eurimages New Lab Awards?
The Eurimages New Lab Awards are a recognition and support mechanism for innovative filmmakers and visual artists working in non-conventional audiovisual formats.
The awards are launched by Eurimages, the cultural support fund of the Council of Europe dedicated to promoting international co-production and innovation in audiovisual creation.
The initiative aims to:
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Promote experimental and non-traditional filmmaking
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Increase visibility for emerging and established creators
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Encourage international collaboration
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Support innovation in audiovisual storytelling
Award Categories and Funding Amounts
Selected hosting initiatives will present one of the following awards:
Innovation Award
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€20,000 per project
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For projects in development
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Must demonstrate international cooperation
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Focus on experimentation and innovation
Outreach Award
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€30,000 per project
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For work-in-progress projects
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Must aim to reach international audiences
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Should go beyond traditional distribution channels
Two awards are available per category at the Eurimages level, but each selected initiative will present either one Innovation Award or one Outreach Award.
Who Can Apply to Host the Awards?
The call is open to established audiovisual initiatives.
Eligible Structures
Applicants must be:
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A festival
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A market
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A lab
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Or another established audiovisual platform
The event may be:
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An existing annual activity
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A newly adapted format
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A specifically created event to host the Eurimages New Lab Awards
Geographic Requirement
The initiative must be established in a Eurimages member State.
Hosting Requirements
To qualify, initiatives must:
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Have at least a two-year track record in selecting innovative audiovisual projects
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Host an annual event lasting at least two days
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Attract professionals from at least ten Eurimages member States
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Provide added value in promoting experimental and non-conventional works
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Implement gender equality measures
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Integrate sustainability practices
The initiative must also:
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Ensure strong visibility for the award and Eurimages
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Promote international co-productions
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Consider emerging talent
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Ideally engage young international audiences
Selected initiatives will sign a one-year partnership agreement with Eurimages, renewable up to three years. No financial compensation is provided for hosting.
Project Eligibility for the Awards
Each hosting initiative must select at least five eligible projects per award category.
Accepted Formats
Projects may include:
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Fiction
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Documentary
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Non-narrative works
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Live action
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Animation
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VR/XR
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Immersive formats
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Hybrid audiovisual forms
Innovation Award Criteria
Projects must:
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Be in development
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Demonstrate international cooperation
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Prioritize creative experimentation
Outreach Award Criteria
Projects must:
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Be in work-in-progress stage
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Target audiences beyond traditional distribution channels
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Demonstrate outreach strategies for international visibility
Gender Balance Requirement
Both award categories must consider gender balance in project selection.
Required Project Submission Materials
Each project submitted for award consideration must include:
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Conceptual note
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Audiovisual materials
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Script or treatment
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Financing plan
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Compliance declarations
These materials ensure transparency, feasibility, and artistic clarity.
How to Apply to Host the Eurimages New Lab Awards
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your initiative:
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Has at least two years of experience
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Hosts an annual event of at least two days
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Operates in a Eurimages member State
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Engages professionals from at least ten member States
Step 2: Demonstrate Added Value
Your application should clearly explain:
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How your platform promotes innovation
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How you support experimental projects
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How you ensure international visibility
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Your gender equality and sustainability policies
Step 3: Outline Award Implementation Plan
Include:
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Selection process for projects
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Jury composition (if applicable)
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Visibility strategy for Eurimages
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Communication and outreach plan
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the full proposal according to Eurimages guidelines. Applications should clearly demonstrate alignment with the objectives of innovation, experimentation, and international collaboration.
Why This Initiative Matters
Supports Experimental Filmmaking
The awards promote boundary-pushing audiovisual work outside conventional formats.
Encourages International Co-Production
International cooperation strengthens European and cross-border creative ecosystems.
Elevates Emerging Talent
By prioritizing innovation and visibility, the awards create career opportunities for new voices.
Strengthens Cultural Diversity
The initiative reinforces diverse storytelling formats and artistic perspectives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without a two-year track record
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Failing to demonstrate international participation
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Overlooking gender balance considerations
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Not integrating sustainability measures
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Proposing insufficient project selection numbers (minimum five required)
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Weak visibility strategy for Eurimages branding
Strong proposals clearly show capacity, international reach, and commitment to innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply to host the Eurimages New Lab Awards?
Established audiovisual initiatives such as festivals, markets, or labs located in a Eurimages member State.
2. Is financial compensation provided for hosting?
No. Hosting initiatives sign a one-year partnership agreement, renewable up to three years, without financial compensation.
3. How many projects must be selected?
A minimum of five eligible projects per award category.
4. What is the value of the awards?
Innovation Award: €20,000
Outreach Award: €30,000
5. What formats are eligible?
Fiction, documentary, non-narrative, animation, live action, VR/XR, immersive, and hybrid formats.
6. Must projects demonstrate international cooperation?
Yes, for the Innovation Award. Outreach Award projects must demonstrate international audience reach strategies.
7. Are gender equality measures required?
Yes. Both initiatives and project selections must consider gender balance.
Conclusion
The Eurimages New Lab Awards offer established audiovisual initiatives a unique opportunity to promote innovative filmmakers and experimental visual artists on an international stage. By partnering with Eurimages, hosting platforms strengthen visibility for non-conventional works while supporting artistic innovation and cross-border collaboration.
Eligible initiatives with strong international networks, sustainability measures, and a proven track record in promoting experimental projects are encouraged to apply and help shape the future of innovative audiovisual storytelling.
For more information, visit Council of Europe.