Following the success of its first edition, Unlocking Capital, the Marché du Film's private investment lab, returns to Trieste from 18–20 January 2026, as part of When East Meets West (WEMW).
Created by Investors Circle and in partnership with WEMW, this unique initiative continues its mission to equip mid-level film producers with the knowledge and tools to successfully collaborate with private investors.
Designed for producers from Europe, Canada, and Latin America with experience producing at least two feature films as lead producers, Unlocking Capital offers a rare opportunity to deepen understanding of private investment dynamics within the film industry. Lab participants will gain insights into the different types of investors, learn strategies for effective negotiation, navigate the legal frameworks that govern investment deals, and examine real-world case studies of successful private financing in film.
The 2026 edition welcomes an outstanding lineup of professionals, including Jean des Forêts (Producer, Petit Film) and Alexandra Zakharchenko (Program Director, Investors Circle – Marché du Film, Festival de Cannes), as well as high-profile international investors, such as Alex Lo (Founder, Producer & Financier, Cinema Inutile; Founding Partner, 1-2 Special), Céline Dornier (Content Executive, IPR.VC), Elsa Huisman (Founding Partner, 111 Law Firm) and David Levine (Chief Creative Officer, Anonymous Content).
Open Call for Producers to Attend Unlocking Capital!
📆 Submission Deadline: 5 November 2025 (23:59 CET)
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
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- Producers from Europe, Canada and Latin America are eligible to apply
- It is possible to apply to max. 3 different labs, but in case of selection it will be possible to attend one Inspirational Lab only.
- It is possible to apply to more than one WEMW section (Co-Production Forum, Works in Progress, EAVE Slate) and to the Inspirational Labs at the same time.
- In order to submit your application and the required materials you need to create your own Eventival account and fill in the online form.
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