Thessaloniki AGORA Docs in Progress 2027: Global Documentary Works Due November 25
Thessaloniki Documentary Festival's AGORA Docs in Progress programme is seeking documentary productions at an advanced stage for its 2027 edition. The official deadline is November 25, 2026. Whereas the separately run Thessaloniki Pitching Forum looks for development-stage proposals, Docs in Progress is a showcase for teams that already have meaningful filmed material and are seeking post-production, distribution and finishing partners. Filmmakers should not treat the two calls as interchangeable.
Required project stage and eligible forms
The programme expects feature-length creative documentary works over 60 minutes and qualifying documentary series or related formats. It also describes room for animated, hybrid and essay-like nonfiction forms, as well as certain projects linked to the festival's AGORA XR Lab community. Regional priority is given to work connected to Southeast Europe and the wider Mediterranean, with opportunities for additional submissions subject to programme discretion. This is not simply a universal open call for unrelated short fiction films.
Screening material at application
Applicants must supply an English-language project submission with an accessible screening link to roughly 25 minutes of available documentary material, accompanied by English subtitles where required. Project details, production partners, remaining financing and the next steps toward completion should be explained clearly. Selected teams may later be asked to produce a carefully edited presentation of around 12 minutes for the industry screening; these are different stages of the process, not conflicting film-length rules.
Industry attendance and expenses
The programme expects selected filmmakers to take part in Thessaloniki's market during March 6–11, 2027 and provides a package including approximately five nights of accommodation and partial travel reimbursement, subject to the official terms. Producers should allow budget for all costs not covered by the festival and plan to attend relevant industry meetings. Participation offers access to commissioning editors, distributors and other professionals, but it does not promise a sales deal.
Awards and the €30,000 condition
Among the advertised professional opportunities is the competitive Eurimages New Lab – Outreach Award, associated with a €30,000 amount under qualifying conditions. That is a juried award, not a €30,000 production grant automatically offered to every shortlisted work. Eligibility for particular prizes may be more restrictive than general programme entry and is described in the festival's detailed regulations. Do not base financing plans on receiving a prize.
Organizer background and submission
The Thessaloniki Documentary Festival is a major Greek documentary event and its AGORA industry platform has a documented record of supporting films through development and post-production. The festival's own application page provides the authoritative submission route, eligible countries, footage requirements and award conditions. Choose Docs in Progress only if you can supply substantial existing material by November 25. Reviewed October 25, 2026.
Official application / Offizieller Aufruf / Bando ufficiale
Organiser's original rules and application: https://filmfestival.gr/en/tidf/tidf-agora/agora-docs-in-progress/