FILMER FORGE 2026: Where Short Film Professionals Meet, Train, and Build

by Vasilena Grigorova

At the 23rd IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival, FILMER FORGE 2026 will turn Pernik into a meeting point for short film professionals who want to develop projects, sharpen their skills, and connect with the industry.

Taking place within the festival programme, FILMER FORGE is the festival’s annual professional platform dedicated to supporting the short film industry. It brings together workshops, training sessions, discussions, presentation panels, industry meetings, pitching sessions, networking opportunities, and an international academic conference.

The platform is designed as more than a side event. It is where emerging filmmakers can test ideas, receive guidance from experienced professionals, and prepare their projects for real industry conversations. Through FILMER FORGE PITCH, participants present pre-selected film projects to producers, festival directors, programmers, curators, fund representatives, financiers, and training programmes, with the aim of opening doors to investment, co-production, and future collaboration. 
Each year, the pitching session also includes a financial grant awarded among selected projects, supporting the production of new films.

The 2026 edition will also host the fifth International Scientific Conference of IN THE PALACE. This year’s topic, “Short Film, Big Questions: Festivals, Policies and Social Engagement,” will bring together international curators, fund managers, academics, and film practitioners for research presentations and a roundtable discussion.

FILMER FORGE is part of the broader mission of IN THE PALACE: to give young talents access to professional knowledge, international networks, and practical tools for building sustainable careers in cinema. For short filmmakers, it offers something essential - a space where training, visibility, and industry dialogue meet.

The 23rd IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival will take place from 22 to 28 June 2026 at the Palace of Culture in Pernik.