For the sixth year, Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) partners with the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes to showcase standout international feature films in post-production. PÖFF Goes to Cannes connects filmmakers with top sales agents, distributors, and festival programmers.
Submission deadline: February 20, 2026.
Goes to Cannes is a high-profile showcase bringing together film festivals and markets from across the globe. Selected teams are invited to pitch their creative visions and connect their projects with international industry decision-makers at one of the world’s most important film markets.
Over the years, PÖFF Goes to Cannes has helped launch bold new voices onto the international stage. As project manager Triin Tramberg notes: “Our goal has always been to spotlight exciting emerging filmmakers and exceptional projects. It’s incredibly rewarding to follow their journey — for example Father by Tereza Nvotová, Slovakia’s Oscar submission, which was first presented at Industry Tallinn & Baltic Event in 2021 and later at PÖFF Goes to Cannes in 2024. The Slovak-Czech-Polish psychological drama went on to premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and has since travelled widely on the international circuit.”
Who should apply:
PÖFF Goes to Cannes is aimed at feature-length fiction films that are:
Projects do not need to be finished by the Cannes Official Selection deadline and are not expected to premiere in Cannes.
The selected projects will be presented in a 110’ market screening slot at Palais K (147 seats) on Friday, May 15 (16:15–18:05), and in the Online Market screening.
Eligibility
Full-length fiction features only (no documentaries or animation)
Projects in late production or post-production
Films with international market potential, seeking a sales agent
Projects not previously presented at other works-in-progress pitchings
Open to projects from all countries and all genres
Presentation format
1–3 scenes from the film (total 10 minutes)
Short pitch about the project (no Q&A)
Scenes must have English subtitles
No trailers, teasers, or promo reels
Selected projects compete for The Goes to Cannes Award (Sideral Cinema): €10,000 MG and Ciné+ OCS Award: €15,000, for French co-productions securing a French distributor within three years of Cannes 2026.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SUBMISSION
PÖFF is Co-funded by the European Union:
More about Estonia: