Open call for up to 10 representatives of European film festivals.

How can film festivals build meaningful relationships with the audiences of the future?

For Future Audiences is a workshop for representatives of European film festivals dedicated to sharing experience, practical approaches and know-how in film education and audience development for children and young people aged 3–19.

The workshop will create a space for festival professionals to exchange their practices, discuss successful as well as challenging approaches, and explore how festivals can develop long-term relationships with younger audiences.

The programme will focus on key questions such as:

• How can film festivals attract and cultivate younger audiences?
• At what age should festivals start engaging with young audiences, and how?
• How can we create film programmes and accompanying activities for different age groups?
• How can festivals work with families with young children?
• How can teenagers be actively involved rather than treated simply as spectators?
• How can film education become an integral part of a festival’s long-term audience development strategy?

For Future Audiences will take place during the 30th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, October 27–28, 2026.

The call is open to professionals working for European film festivals who are interested in developing or strengthening their activities for children and young audiences. A total of up to 10 participants will be selected based on their applications. Applicants will be asked to describe their festival’s existing policies, programmes and activities aimed at children and young people, as well as the areas they would like to further develop.

Participation fee

The participation fee is €150 and includes:

• Industry accreditation
• three nights of accommodation in Jihlava (Oct 26–29, 2026)
• participation in the full workshop programme

Application deadline

September 15, 2026

Join us at Ji.hlava to exchange ideas, learn from fellow festivals and explore how we can build stronger connections with the next generation of film audiences.