The fifth edition of the Sinun Cin\u00e9 Idea Competition invites emerging filmmakers to develop their film and series concepts together with mentors. Espoo Cin\u00e9 is now looking for experienced industry professionals to serve as mentors at a workshop taking place on 20\u201321 May 2026. The application period is open until 31 March 2026 at 23:59.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd39 What?<\/strong> Mentoring emerging creators and supporting the development of film and series ideas into pitch-ready concepts Launched in 2022, the competition is an initiative by Espoo Cin\u00e9 to promote greater diversity in the film industry. It is aimed particularly at minorities underrepresented in the Finnish media landscape, whose stories are still too rarely seen on the big screen. These include, for example, gender and sexual minorities, people with disabilities, BIPOC individuals, and members of linguistic minorities. The competition is open to students, emerging creators at the beginning of their careers, and completely new filmmakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The competition consists of a two-day workshop in May and a pitch competition held on the opening day of Espoo Cin\u00e9 in August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the first workshop day, mentors work closely with their assigned participants to develop their ideas and refine their pitches. On the second day, mentors take part in speed meeting sessions with all finalists. At the end of the day, finalists present the first working versions of their pitches to the other workshop participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the participants, the working language of the workshop will be Finnish and\/or English. Based on the feedback received during the workshop, finalists will further develop their pitches over the summer in preparation for the August final. Mentors are not expected to take part in the August pitch competition, but they are warmly welcome to attend the competition and other festival programme events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are looking for film and television professionals with experience in story development, screenwriting, directing, producing, or pitching. Mentors are not required to belong to a minority group; however, we value openness, an inclusive approach to mentoring, and a willingness to engage with creators from diverse backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u20ac2,500 prize for the competition winner is provided by the City of Espoo and awarded on the opening day of Espoo Cin\u00e9. The competition is supported by AVEK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please fill in the application form via the link by 31 March 2026 at 23:59. Selected mentors will be notified by 20 April 2026. A total of 10 mentors will be chosen for the workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Join us in supporting new voices and building a more diverse film industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo: Emma Hallikainen<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Espoo Cin\u00e9 is now looking for experienced industry professionals to serve as mentors at a workshop taking place on 20\u201321 May 2026. The application period is open until 31 March 2026 at 23:59.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":192,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\ud83d\udd39 When?<\/strong> Wed 20 May \u2013 Thu 21 May 2026
\ud83d\udd39 Where?<\/strong> Kupla, Kauppamiehentie 7, 02100 Espoo
\ud83d\udd39 Fee and benefits:<\/strong> \u20ac30\/hour (approx. 5\u201310 hours in total) + accreditation to the Espoo Cin\u00e9 festival (21\u201330 August 2026) and an invitation to the opening screening on 21 August 2026
\ud83d\udd39 Application deadline:<\/strong> 31 March 2026 \u2013 fill in the form here<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe role of mentors in the workshop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWho can apply as a mentor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nApply to become a mentor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n