MANILA, PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 14, 2020 (UPDATED) — International training and networking will be offered to selected up-and-coming producers from around the world in the online Rotterdam Lab 2021 of the 50th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).

Instead of having an open selection process, Rotterdam Lab participants are nominated by international partners of the IFFR, one of which is the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

The FDCP has issued a Call for Participants for Rotterdam Lab 2021, directed at emerging producers who have at least two short films and are working on a feature film with the aim to co-produce or work internationally. The FDCP will select two emerging producers for Rotterdam Lab 2021.

Promising emerging producers from the Philippines, who could be junior producers working for a production company or independent producers with their own companies, are encouraged to send their Letter of Intent, filmography, production company profile, project brief of the current feature film, and links to previous works to the FDCP ([email protected]) on or before October 30, 2020. 

Rotterdam Lab is not project-driven, but focused on developing skills, company management, and expanding the international network of participants who are at the beginning of their film production careers. 

Established in 2001, Rotterdam Lab aims to train young producers on basic elements of international film production and offer insights on developments in the international film industry. 

The 21st Rotterdam Lab, which will go online as an expanded edition of its program, will be held from January 25 to February 5, 2021. The 50th IFFR, meanwhile, is slated from January 27 to February 7, 2021. The IFFR takes pride in being more than a film festival as it provides year-round guidance and support to film professionals through the IFF Pro.

Aside from the Rotterdam Lab for talent development, other IFFR Pro initiatives are the CineMart co-production market, the Hubert Bals Fund which provides financial support for independent cinema, and the IFFR Pro Hub that offers masterclasses, debates, panels, and professional services.

For more information, contact the FDCP at [email protected].