UP! : a new program to help usher in a new generation of Baltic film producers looking for new participants

Five day training program, in association with TalentBridge, aims to develop skills and give a grounding in the short film ecosystem.

UP! is a new intensive five-day training program designed for emerging Baltic film producers working with short films, and initiated by Lithuanian Shorts. The program aims to strengthen producers’ professional skills and introduce participants to the international short film ecosystem, principles of co production, self-presentation, communication, and distribution strategies.

The 2026 edition of UP! will take place on October 5–9 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Launched last year as a program for Lithuanian producers, the scheme will now expand to encompass producers across the entire Baltic region.

In 2026, UP! was developed as part of the European film training program TalentBridge – a series designed to help emerging filmmakers navigate the film industry, powered by T-Port. The program is led by the UP! Head of Studies, producer Marija Razgutė (M-Films, Lithuania) – currently one of the most recognisable film producers in Lithuania with more than 15 years of experience in the industry – and T-Port TalentBridge Mentor at UP! Amos Geva (Germany) – the producer, co-founder and managing director of an industry platform T Port.

The program format consists of two parts: theoretical seminars and practical workshops led by experienced film industry professionals, as well as participation in the events of the Baltic short film industry forum, the Baltic Pitching Forum, which takes place on October 6-9. This format will help build a strong foundation for the professional growth of emerging producers, encourage networking and the development of new professional connections and contribute to their integration into the international film industry community.

The program is for Baltic emerging film producers who are seeking to improve their self-presentation skills and gain deeper insight into the short film ecosystem, as well as co-production, communication and distribution strategies. Participants must be citizens of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania or have permanent residency in one of these countries.

Rimante Daugelaite, head of Lithuanian Shorts, organizer of UP! said: “We’ve realised that while there are many great schemes and initiatives for producers working within feature films across Europe, those currently working with short films are not provided for. We want to help these producers to know more about the ins and outs of co-production as well as work on their professional development and long-term strategies. We’re also excited about the partnership with TalentBridge who, with their extensive experience of training European filmmakers, will be crucial in aiding the development of our participants.”

This year, the “Up!” program combines an intensive workshop with participation in the 14th Baltic Pitching Forum. From 5–7 October 2026, participants will take part in practical sessions covering the global short film ecosystem, co-production opportunities, pitching and project presentation, leadership and creative development, as well as festival and distribution strategies. The program continues with participation in the Baltic Pitching Forum in Vilnius (6–9 October), where participants will attend industry lectures, networking events, one-to-one meetings and pitching sessions alongside film professionals from across Europe. As part of the Forum, all “Up!” participants will also present themselves and their portfolios during dedicated self-pitching sessions, creating opportunities to expand their professional networks and develop future collaborations. This year, “Up!” is part of the T Port TalentBridge, a European film training programme that connects emerging film professionals across Europe and supports their international networking, professional development, and career growth.

Amos Geva, managing director of T-Port TalentBridge, co-organiser of UP! said: “TalentBridge exists to make the international film industry more accessible - not just for those already close to its centre, but for emerging talent also across low production capacity regions who have the talent and drive but lack the connections and frameworks to move forward. Through year-round online training and programs in person in Clermont-Ferrand, Berlin or Cannes and regional initiatives like UP!, we’re working to change that. We are deeply excited to roll out this program, building on our years of solid work in the sector.”

Full details on participation requirements are available at https://bpf.lt/

The application deadline is the 2nd August 2026. Results will be announced by August 24th.

For more information, contact Gabrielė Vaičiūnaitė, UP! coordinator at bpf@fimshorts.lt.

Baltic emerging producers training program UP! is organised by Lithuanian Short Film Agency Lithuanian Shorts in collaboration with T-Port TalentBridge. The main partner is Baltisches Haus. TalentBridge is co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA and FFA German Federal Film Board.

Photos: T. Stukas