[LABEAN] Proyectos De Cortometraje Y Sesión Pitch | euskal laburmetraiaren merkatua - mercado del cortometraje vasco (3)

Festival start: 11 December 2026      Festival end: 12 December 2026

ESTEKA, the Professional Association for the Support of Basque Short Films, announces LABEAN, the call for short film projects and pitches for the 3rd Basque Short Film Market, to be held on December 11 and 12, 2026, at the Villa Suso Palace in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The purpose of this call is to promote the development and production of short film projects, with a special focus on talent from Álava and the Basque Country, to increase their visibility, and to facilitate connections between their creators and professionals in the Basque and national audiovisual sectors.

From among all the projects received, a selection committee composed of industry professionals will choose A MAXIMUM OF NINE PROJECTS, whose creators will present them publicly to professionals, production companies, and other industry stakeholders during a pitch session to be held on December 11, 2026.

Attendance at the pitch event is mandatory.

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Sponsored by the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Provincial Council of Álava (Arabako Foru Aldundia), the Basque Government (Eusko Jaurlaritza), the SGAE Foundation, and EITB. With support from La Córnea Digital, iCOFF, Caostica, Epic Films Rental, Sonora, We Punk! Distributions, and organized by esteka.

Cash Prizes: 1,500€

BASQUE SHORT FILM MARKET AWARD FOR BEST PROJECT FROM ALAVA - €500

EPIC FILMS RENTAL INDUSTRY AWARD FOR BEST PROJECT FROM ALAVA - €3,000 in RENTAL SERVICES:

•50% Photography / 50% Lighting (subject to availability).
•Masterclass on resource optimization.
•Obligations:
-Exclusive rental rights with Epic Films.
-Include the line “With the support of Epic Films” in the short film’s credits.
-Project must begin within 18 months.

BASQUE SHORT FILM MARKET AWARD FOR BEST BASQUE PROJECT – 500 €

EPIC FILMS RENTAL INDUSTRY AWARD FOR BEST BASQUE PROJECT – 3,000 € in RENTAL SERVICES:
•50% Photography / 50% Lighting (subject to availability).
•Masterclass on resource optimization.
•Obligations:
-Exclusive rental agreement with Epic Films.
-Include the line “With the support of Epic Films” in the short film’s credits.
-Project must begin within 18 months.

BASQUE SHORT FILM MARKET AWARD FOR BEST NATIONAL PROJECT - €500

EPIC FILMS RENTAL INDUSTRY AWARD FOR BEST NATIONAL PROJECT - €3,000 in RENTAL SERVICES:
•50% Camera / 50% Lighting (subject to availability).
•Masterclass on resource optimization.
•Obligations:
-Exclusive rental agreement with Epic Films.
-Include the line “With the support of Epic Films” in the short film’s credits.
-Project must begin within 18 months.

OTHER AWARDS TO BE CONFIRMED
The organization may add new awards and recognitions, which will be announced in due course through the official channels of the Basque Short Film Market.

_____________

Sponsored by the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Provincial Council of Álava (Arabako Foru Aldundia), the Basque Government (Eusko Jaurlaritza), the SGAE Foundation, and EITB. With support from La Córnea Digital, iCOFF, Caostica, Epic Films Rental, Sonora, We Punk! Distributions, and organized by esteka.

# LABEAN 2026 CALL FOR SHORT FILM PROJECTS AND PITCH SESSION

## 1. PURPOSE OF LABEAN

ESTEKA, Euskal Film Laburrak Sustatzeko Elkarte Profesionala, is launching LABEAN, the call for short film projects and the pitch session of the 3rd Basque Short Film Market, which will take place on 11 and 12 December 2026 at the Villa Suso Palace in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The purpose of this call is to promote the development and production of short film projects, with particular attention to talent from Álava and the Basque Country, increase their visibility and facilitate connections between their creators and professionals from the Basque and Spanish audiovisual industries.

From all applications received, a selection committee made up of industry professionals will select **A MAXIMUM OF NINE PROJECTS**. Their representatives will present the projects publicly to professionals, production companies and other industry stakeholders during a pitch session on 11 December 2026.

Attendance at the pitch event is compulsory.

## 2. PARTICIPANTS

Directors over the age of 18 with short film projects may apply, whether or not they have an associated production company. Projects without an attached director will not be accepted.

Having a production company is not compulsory. Projects may attend the 3rd Basque Short Film Market to seek production or co-production partners. Screenwriters may also direct their own projects, but a screenplay cannot be submitted without an attached director.

The person submitting the application will be the main contact. Applications submitted by a production company must have the director’s approval.

## 3. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

Submitted short films must be **SET IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY (EUSKADI)**. In other words, their screenplays must be written with the intention of filming in the Basque Country.

Fiction, documentary and animation projects are eligible.

Screenplays may be written in Basque or Spanish and must not exceed 15 pages.

Projects must be at the development stage. Pre-production and principal photography must not have begun, and production must not have been completed by the application deadline.

Projects must be able to clarify the rights to the screenplay and, where applicable, to any pre-existing work.

The final screenplay must be written entirely by humans.

Projects that have previously participated in other labs or calls are eligible, provided filming has not begun.

## 4. TERRITORIAL CATEGORIES

- **Projects from Álava:** Projects whose director ordinarily resides in Álava and whose production company, if applicable, is based and actively operating in Álava.

- **Basque projects:** Projects whose director ordinarily resides in the Basque Autonomous Community and whose production company, if applicable, is based and actively operating there, but which do not qualify for the Álava category. Therefore, projects whose director and production company are based in different historical territories within the Basque Country will compete in this category.

- **Spanish national projects:** Projects whose director or production company is based in Spain and which do not qualify for either of the above categories.

For projects without an associated production company, the territorial category will be determined solely by the director’s usual place of residence.

If the director and the production company associated with a project belong to different territorial areas, the project will compete in the category corresponding to the broader territorial area. Thus, when both are based in the Basque Country but in different historical territories, the project will compete in the Basque category. When either is based outside the Basque Country but within Spain, the project will compete in the Spanish national category.

## 5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

### 1. Short film screenplay

A PDF of the screenplay, in its original language, with a maximum length of 15 pages.

### 2. Project dossier

Applicants must submit a single PDF document in the project's original language containing the following:

**Project details:**
- Title.
- Genre.
- Estimated running time.
- Original language.
- Estimated total budget.
- Name and contact details of the person or people responsible, including email address and telephone number.

**Logline:** Maximum 3 lines.

**Full screenplay synopsis:** Maximum 1 page.

**Director’s statement of intent:** Explaining the motivation behind the project, its artistic approach, references and other relevant elements. Maximum 2 pages.

**Optional video pitch:** Provide a viewing link, if available.

**Visual materials:** A mood board or aesthetic references. If a mood teaser exists, provide a viewing link. AI-generated images will not be accepted.

**Director’s biography and filmography.**

If the project has an associated production company, the dossier must also include:

**Production statement**, including at least:
- Producer’s statement.
- Production plan and estimated schedule.
- Budget summary and financing plan.
- Artistic and creative team, where applicable.
- Filmography of the production company or producer.

### 3. Additional documentation

A single PDF document containing:

- **Letter of motivation** explaining the project's current needs and the reasons for wishing to participate in the LABEAN call of the Basque Short Film Market. Maximum 1 page.
- **Proof of screenplay registration** with any public or private copyright registration platform, even if the registration has not yet been formally confirmed.

## 6. APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE

Applications must be submitted exclusively through FESTHOME by **23:59 on 16 November 2026**.

Late submissions and applications missing any required documentation will not be accepted. No corrections or supplementary submissions will be permitted.

The application fee is €5.

## 7. SELECTION PROCESS

A selection committee appointed by the organisers will choose nine projects to participate in the pitch session. Selection will be based exclusively on the documentation submitted correctly and within the deadline.

The nine projects will be distributed as follows:
- 3 projects in the Álava category.
- 3 projects in the Basque category.
- 3 projects in the Spanish national category.

The committee may include professionals working in directing, screenwriting, production, festival programming, distribution, audiovisual institutions and other areas of the industry.

The committee’s deliberations will remain confidential, and its decisions will be final and not subject to appeal.

## 8. EVALUATION CRITERIA

- Quality of the screenplay and its potential for cinematic development: up to 40 points.
- Originality and distinctive nature of the directorial approach: up to 15 points.
- Cultural, social or other connections with the Basque Country: up to 20 points.
- Internal coherence of the proposal: up to 10 points.
- Background and motivation of the director and, where applicable, the producer: up to 10 points.
- Potential to benefit from participation in the Market: up to 5 points.

**Maximum score: 100 points.**

The organisers will ensure balanced representation of women and men among the selected projects. Of the nine projects selected, at least four must be directed by women and at least four by men.

This criterion will be applied to the final selection after the projects have been assessed according to the evaluation criteria set out in these guidelines. It may determine the final composition of the selection where projects have similar scores.

## 9. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SELECTED PROJECTS

The list of selected projects will be published before 1 December 2026. The organisers will contact the person responsible for each selected project directly.

The selected participant or participants must confirm their participation. If a project withdraws or fails to confirm its participation, the organisers may select a reserve project.

When the results are announced, the organisers will request the materials needed to include the projects in the event catalogue.

## 10. PITCH SESSION

The director must participate in the pitch session and may be accompanied by the producer, if applicable.

Attendance and participation in the session are compulsory for selected projects, except in cases where a duly justified reason is accepted by the organisers.

Each project will have:

- **6 minutes** to deliver its pitch.
- **An additional 2 minutes** for questions and comments from attending professionals.

The presentation may include visual or audiovisual materials, provided these comply with the technical specifications and submission deadlines communicated in advance by the organisers.

After all nine pitches have been delivered, participating projects will have the opportunity to hold one-to-one meetings with attending professionals.

## 11. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

### Basque Short Film Market Award – Best Project from Álava
**€500**

### EPIC FILMS INDUSTRY AWARD – Best Project from Álava
**€3,000 in rental services**

- 50% camera equipment / 50% lighting equipment, subject to availability.
- Masterclass on resource optimisation.

**Conditions:**
- Exclusive rental services through Epic Films.
- Include the credit “With the support of Epic Films Rental” in the short film's credits.
- The project must begin within 18 months.

### Basque Short Film Market Award – Best Basque Project
**€500**

### EPIC FILMS RENTAL INDUSTRY AWARD – Best Basque Project
**€3,000 in rental services**

- 50% camera equipment / 50% lighting equipment, subject to availability.
- Masterclass on resource optimisation.

**Conditions:**
- Exclusive rental services through Epic Films.
- Include the credit “With the support of Epic Films Rental” in the short film's credits.
- The project must begin within 18 months.

### Basque Short Film Market Award – Best Spanish National Project
**€500**

### EPIC FILMS RENTAL INDUSTRY AWARD – Best Spanish National Project
**€3,000 in rental services**

- 50% camera equipment / 50% lighting equipment, subject to availability.
- Masterclass on resource optimisation.

**Conditions:**
- Exclusive rental services through Epic Films.
- Include the credit “With the support of Epic Films Rental” in the short film's credits.
- The project must begin within 18 months.

### Other awards to be confirmed

The organisers may introduce additional awards and forms of recognition, which will be announced in due course through the official channels of the Basque Short Film Market.

## 12. AWARDS CEREMONY

The winning projects will be announced for the first time during the awards ceremony of the 3rd Basque Short Film Market, which will take place on the evening of **12 December 2026**.

Attendance is compulsory for the director and producer of all projects selected for LABEAN. They must remain in Vitoria-Gasteiz until the ceremony has concluded.

The various awards will be assessed and granted by representatives of the organisations and/or companies sponsoring them.

Evaluation criteria for the pitch session may include the quality of the project, the clarity and communication skills demonstrated in the presentation, the feasibility of the proposal and its development potential.

Being selected to participate in the pitch session does not guarantee the award of any prize or funding.

## 13. TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

The organisers will cover accommodation in Vitoria-Gasteiz for representatives of selected projects for a maximum of two nights, coinciding with the 3rd Basque Short Film Market.

Travel expenses to and from Vitoria-Gasteiz will be borne by the participants.

Accommodation will be provided for a maximum of two people per selected project: the director and, where applicable, the producer.

For projects without an associated producer, accommodation will be provided for the director only.

## 14. COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Participants declare that they are the authors or legitimate rights holders of the rights necessary to submit their projects to this call.

Participation does not entail the transfer to the organisers of any intellectual property rights relating to the projects.

Participants will be responsible for any third-party claims arising from the authorship, ownership or use of materials included in their proposals.

The organisers may use the title, synopsis, team names and graphic materials supplied by selected projects exclusively for communications and promotional purposes relating to the call and its activities.

## 15. CONFIDENTIALITY

Participants should be aware that the information included in submitted documentation will be accessible to those responsible for the selection process. For projects selected for the pitch session, this information will also be shared with the various juries and professionals attending the session.

The organisers will take reasonable measures to restrict access to the documentation to those involved in the process. However, they cannot guarantee the confidentiality of content presented publicly during the pitch session.

## 16. DATA PROTECTION

Personal data supplied by applicants will be processed by ESTEKA for the purpose of administering the call, communicating information related to it and organising the associated activities.

Data processing will be carried out in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation.

Individuals may exercise their rights of access, rectification, erasure, objection, restriction of processing and, where applicable, data portability by contacting info@esteka.info.

## 17. AMENDMENTS AND EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

The organisers reserve the right to amend dates, schedules or organisational aspects of the call where justified reasons arise, undertaking to inform participants of any significant changes.

The organisers may also decide how to resolve any circumstances not expressly covered by these guidelines, in accordance with the principles of equality, transparency and good faith.

## 18. ACCEPTANCE OF THE GUIDELINES

Submitting an application implies full acceptance of these guidelines.

Failure to comply with any of their provisions may result in the project being excluded from the call.

For enquiries regarding these guidelines, please contact:

**ESTEKA, Euskal Film Laburrak Sustatzeko Elkarte Profesionala**

info@esteka.info

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**With the sponsorship of:** Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, Álava Provincial Council (Arabako Foru Aldundia), the Basque Government (Eusko Jaurlaritza), Fundación SGAE and EITB.

**With the support of:** La Córnea Digital, iCOFF, Caostica, Epic Films Rental and We Punk! Distributions, and organised by esteka.