Your Ciné 2025 – Applications are open until 26 March!

The Your Ciné idea competition, now being held for the fourth time, invites emerging creators to refine their film and series ideas together with mentors! The competition consists of a two-day workshop held on 14–15 May and a pitching competition on 22 August. Apply by 26 March, 2025!

WHAT: Open call for the idea competition organized by Espoo Ciné

FOR WHOM: Creators with disabilities and individuals from other minority groups whose works have not yet been commercially distributed

WHY: Develop your story idea into a finished pitch together with mentors

WHEN: Workshop on 14–15 May and pitching competition on 22 August, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until 26 March, 2025 – apply using the form at this link!

Since 2022, the competition organized by Espoo Ciné has been aimed at minorities underrepresented in the Finnish media industry. In 2025, we especially encourage applications from creators with disabilities. However, individuals belonging to other minority groups are also welcome to apply. The competition is open to students and emerging creators whose works have not yet been commercially distributed. We encourage creative professionals, students and enthusiasts from all backgrounds to apply boldly!

A panel of experts assembled by the Finnish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild (Sunklo) will select around ten finalists from the submitted ideas. The selected finalists will be invited to participate in the competition workshop, which will take place in the Helsinki metropolitan area on 14–15 May, 2025. During the workshop, the finalists will meet the competition’s mentors, receive training on storytelling, and develop their idea with the help of an assigned mentor. With the support of the mentors, the participants will create short pitches for their ideas, which they will present to all mentors on the second workshop day. The workshop will be conducted in Finnish and/or English, depending on the participants. The competition will culminate in a pitching contest on the opening day of Espoo Ciné, Friday, 22 August, 2025. A panel of professionals will select the final winner.

The winner will be awarded a prize of €2,500 at the Espoo Ciné opening screening.

Apply by submitting your idea via the form at this link. The application period is open until Wednesday, 26 March, 2025 (11:59 PM).

Selected workshop participants will be notified by Wednesday, 23 April, 2025.