Works in Progress

REGULAMENT ȘI ÎNSCRIERI – Works in Progress

 

The Works in Progress program is dedicated to Romanian filmmakers invited to present their films currently in development to international film industry professionals. The program is set to create an exchange platform between creators and potential foreign partners, aiming to unlock opportunities and increase the international visibility of local projects.

The first edition of Works in Progress is open to Romanian filmmakers, invited to submit a 20–30 minute cut of their feature film that has not yet had its international premiere.

Applications must be submitted via Eventival at the following link: 

  

The submission deadline is May 21, 2026.

• Selected projects will compete for the Transilvania HBO Award (€30,000 EUR)* - a minimum of one / maximum of two projects will be awarded, depending on the Jury’s decision.

* A direct license with HBO, which may include acquisition and/or completion funding, along with a guaranteed broadcast window. Selected project(s) may be aired on HBO’s linear channels and featured on the HBO Max streaming platform, offering international exposure and positioning among premium storytelling.

The program will take place in Cluj-Napoca, as part of TIFF RO Days | Industry Events. Screenings of the selected projects will be presented to Industry specialists (producers, sales agents, distributors) - this event will be by invitation only.

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS

• Eligible country: Romania

• Eligible projects: feature length (fiction, documentary, animation), Romania must be the primary country of production

• The submitted material should be a cut or an assembly cut of the different scenes of minimum duration of 20 minutes and maximum 30 (excluded trailers & teasers).

• Only projects that are available for a 12-month exclusive VOD licensing arrangement with HBO may be submitted

• The submitted films must not have had their international premiere

• No entry fee;

• Projects participating in the Transilvania International Film Festival Industry Days should - once finalized - mention their participation at the Transilvania Works in Progress programme in their credits;

• All projects must have English subtitles;

• The selected projects - must share the entire feature film for the Jury’s consideration. Selected projects will be informed about this requirement and procedure after the pre-selection process.

• Submission of the project is considered as acceptance of the Transilvania International Film Festival Industry Days regulations.

We can't wait for your submissions!

If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

  • General details about the project (project type, original and English title, country of production, planned release date, language, runtime, format etc.)
  • Logline (max. 200 characters)
  • Short synopsis (max. 450 characters) & long synopsis (max. 1000 characters)
  • Contacts of director & producer
  • Production company profile & co-production company (if applicable)
  • Submission link (online screener - on a platform such as Vimeo - secured with password)
  • Stills (min. 2)
  • Director & producers photo
  • Director’s filmography

The organizers reserve the right to request additional documents during the selection process.

HOW DOES WORKS IN PROGRESS WORK?

Participants will be selected by a committee of industry professionals.
If a project is selected, the director (or producer) will be invited to take part in the program. TIFF will cover the accreditation and accommodation costs for the participant.

The selected projects will then be screened in front of Industry professionals. Afterwards, a Jury will decide upon the winning project that will receive the Transilvania HBO Award (€30.000 EUR). The winner will be announced in the Industry Awards Ceremony.

All participating projects will be included in a brochure made available to a selected number of industry professionals at TIFF. If the winning project is launched, the credits must state: “project presented as part of the TIFF Works in Progress 2026 program,” along with the official festival logo, which will be provided upon request.

For other details or questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]