iFilm Pitching Event gives budding Iranian filmmakers chance to turn ideas into films

A new initiative by iFilm is set to help emerging filmmakers bring their creative ideas to life on screen through the iFilm Pitching Event, with the motto “a fair chance for all filmmaking talents to be tested.”

The initiative represents an innovative step toward iFilm’s goals of discovering emerging talents and elevating the status of short films, which the organizers regard as the birthplace of many cinematic innovations and creative ideas.

IFilm TV is an Iranian entertainment network, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) World Service, that consists of three channels in English, Arabic and Persian.

Pitching” blends art, strategy, and skill, enabling creators to present their ideas or portions of their work convincingly to producers, investors, commissioners, and media executives.

The iFilm Pitching Event, according to the statement, aims to cultivate this talent among young Iranian filmmakers, offering them a platform to showcase their projects and secure professional support.

The initiative is structured around several core goals and a clear vision. The organizers aim to discover and support short-film makers by identifying emerging talents and providing comprehensive assistance, including specialized training, facilitation of the production process, and opportunities for their work to be seen.

In addition, the initiative seeks to promote cultural, artistic, and value-based approaches in productions, prioritizing projects that reflect the cultural richness and noble human and social values of Iranian society, as well as diverse communities around the world.

Practical training in pitching and systematic project development is also a key focus, with workshops designed to help participants learn how to present projects effectively, the organizers said.

Moreover, it provides a valuable opportunity to build a network among filmmakers, producers, investors, and media executives, smoothing the path for production and distribution.

One of the most important outcomes is the production of short films with high artistic and technical quality, capable of gaining recognition nationally and internationally and ultimately reaching wider audiences through iFilm’s network.

Selected participants will benefit from comprehensive support, including intensive professional training from renowned pitching experts who have showcased their work at prestigious international events.

They will also have the opportunity to present their projects in live pitching sessions before investors, commissioners, buyers, and media executives, providing a golden chance to attract financial support and build professional connections.

Financial backing for short film production will be provided, tailored to each project’s budget, along with step-by-step guidance and mentorship from experienced production professionals.

In addition, selected works will be broadcast on the iFilm network and featured in specialized review programs, offering greater visibility to both filmmakers and their films.

The initiative follows a six-step process. It begins with a call for entries and submission of initial ideas and project proposals. This is followed by a review of the proposer’s background and experience to ensure they have the capability to fully develop the submitted idea.

Participants then attend an educational program on effective pitching, culminating in the creation of a formal pitching guidebook.

The next step is a live pitching session where winners from previous steps present their projects to buyers, investors, commissioners, and media executives. Selected projects then receive support from iFilm and its partners, initiating the production process. The event concludes with a celebration and award ceremony, alongside the broadcasting of the films across iFilm’s global network channels.

Eligibility and rules ensure a fair process and high-quality submissions. Applicants must have a professional background in short film production, with at least one completed short film longer than five minutes. Additional points are awarded if the work has been screened at a domestic or international festival or broadcast through an official media outlet.

Applicants without directing experience may participate if they have held key roles in film projects, such as screenwriter, producer, cinematographer, editor, or sound designer.

Each project must include a production team with a director, producer, writer, and editor, and all team members must provide written consent regarding project ownership, intellectual property, and profit-sharing. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Submission to the event Secretariat constitutes official registration of the idea, ensuring the author’s rights are protected, and prior registration with the House of Cinema may be considered a merit.

Financial support is limited to production costs, covering pre-production, production, and post-production expenses. Attendance of the director or producer at workshops and live pitching sessions is mandatory, and produced works must meet television broadcast technical standards, including HD resolution, proper file format, stereo sound, and correct color and lighting standards.

Through this initiative, iFilm offers emerging Iranian filmmakers a rare opportunity to transform imaginative ideas into professionally produced short films, gain visibility, and contribute to the growth of the country’s cinematic landscape.

Stages and Timeline

Call for entries and submission start: September 23, 2025

Submission deadline: November 21, 2025

Initial judging and announcement of results: December 6, 2025

Online training workshops and submission of final projects by participants: December 7, 2025 – March 6, 2026

Evaluation and selection of final projects: April 5 – April 20, 2026

Live pitching sessions: April–May 2026 (concurrent with the Sobh Media Festival)

Start of production for selected pitching projects: May 22 – August 23, 2026

Evaluation of produced works: August 23 – August 29, 2026

Awards ceremony: August 2026, during the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday

Note: The above dates are approximate and may be subject to minor changes. Any updates to the schedule will be announced on the event’s official website.*

Submission Guidelines: The submission process will be fully electronic and conducted through the event’s official website.

Registration on the official website: Applicants must first visit the [official event website] and complete the registration form. After registration, they can upload their project in PDF format. The file should include the following:

Title of the work: Exact title of the short film

Logline & Synopsis: One key sentence (logline) and a synopsis of the main story, up to 300 words

Character and location introduction: Brief description of the main characters and story setting

Estimated final runtime: Accurate estimate of the film’s duration based on the script

Proposed budget and funding sources: Preliminary estimate of production costs and potential funding sources

Director and production team résumé: Professional and artistic background of the director, producer, writer, and other key team members

Experience in short film production: Information or links to previous short films, if available

Project highlights: Notes on innovation, message, visual appeal, and other unique features of the project

Written agreement of the production team: If available

Contact Information – iFilm Pitching Event Secretariat

Address: Iran, Tehran, Saadatabad, 24-Metri Boulevard, 2nd East Alley (Shahid Heidarnia), No. 4, 1st Floor – iFilm Pitching Event Secretariat

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir