Co-Production

GAIFF Pro Co-production Market

Co-production Market includes three main elements:

GAIFF Pro Co-production Market is an international platform designed for emerging filmmakers from the Western Asia region, including its diaspora (please refer to the Regulations and Eligibility section for details). It aims to help filmmakers develop their first or second feature film projects, and to pitch them to accredited international film industry professionals, boosting and establishing

co-productions across borders.

Project Market

WIP: Work-in-Progress Market

Film Showcase

Project Market

The Project Market gives first and second-time directors a chance to meet and present their feature-length film projects to international producers, financiers, festival programmers, distributors, sales agents, and investors accredited by the Festival. Projects are carefully selected by an independent commission of film industry professionals. The Project Market includes 1:1 meetings with international producers and investors, pitching sessions, and master classes. The participation of co-producers from all countries is encouraged, provided that the project’s director is from one of the countries in the Western Asia region or its diaspora.

The deadlines and details relating to eligibility criteria can be seen here.

Read on how to submit your project here.

WIP: Work-in-Progress Market

The WIP Market hosts feature-length films in the work-in-progress stage from first or second-time directors from the Western Asia region. The selected 5 participants will present their films to international producers, financiers, festival programmers, distributors, sales agents, and potential exhibitors accredited by the festival.

The Work-In-Progress market consists of presentations of participating films in late production or post-production. A full catalogue of the Market’s participating projects and international industry professionals will be sent out in advance to allow participants to book appointments prior to the event. Participation of co-producers from all countries is encouraged, provided the director of the project is from one of the countries in the Western Asia region.

The deadlines and details relating to eligibility criteria can be seen here.

Submit your project here.

Film Showcase

Arranges screenings of the selected films that have previously partaken in development activities within GAIFF Pro, and participated in film festivals around the world. In addition to the screenings, the filmmakers will connect with the Project and WIP Markets through case studies, round table talks, and panel discussions.

GAIFF Pro Co-production Market is now open for applications. Read the sections below on how to apply.

The deadline to submit is April 19, 2026, 23:59 AMT.

The upcoming edition of the GAIFF Pro Industry Platform takes place July 13-17, 2026.

2026

GAIFF Pro Co-production Market is looking for feature-length fiction, documentary, animation, hybrid, expanded cinema and new media projects in different stages of production that are in search of international partners, collaborators, gap financing, and distribution possibilities.

We welcome 1st and 2nd feature projects from emerging filmmakers. There are no restrictions regarding the amount of financing already in place. The main criteria for selection are the artistic quality of the project, the uniqueness of the content, the relevance of the subject matter, and its potential internationally.

GAIFF Pro Industry is primarily for producers and directors with selected projects, as well as international professionals and decision-makers.

GAIFF Pro focuses on projects from the Western Asia region and its diaspora. The eligible countries are: Armenia, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen
All submitted materials must be in English. Up to two projects may be submitted per production company.

12 projects will be selected for the Project Market. And up to 5 projects will be selected for the WIP: Work-in-Progress Market.

If selected, you will be asked to provide a cover photo and finalised texts for publication. By providing these materials, you give GAIFF Pro permission to use them online and for promotional purposes.
Pitching sessions are held in English. Depending on the pitch set-up, the teams have 5-7 minutes to present their project, including visual material, if applicable. The pitch is followed by a short Q&A with the moderator.
GAIFF Pro requires the logo of GAIFF Pro to be included in the credits of the participating films (both Project Market and WIP Market) once finalised.

The selected candidates will be required to attend an online pre-workshop in June/early July 2026, with the date and details provided to them in advance.