Now in its 23rd year, the longest-running networking event for film professionals active in East-West co-production connecting cottbus (coco) is now accepting project submissions. Taking
place in parallel with the FilmFestival Cottbus, coco continues to provide a platform for the region’s exciting filmmakers and their diverse voices.
“As we slowly see many countries opening up again and the hopes and opportunities this brings back to our industry, we continue to observe the pandemic situation closely while evaluating the format for our next edition,” says coco director Marjorie Bendeck. “We intend to have a hybrid market this autumn, comprising online components and on-site networking for those able and willing to travel. But one thing is certain: we will ensure coco 2021 feels inclusive for every participant and we look forward to celebrating Eastern European cinema with every one of you.”
We are overjoyed about the high track record of completed films at our market. With 17 premieres in the past year and 13 further titles currently in post-production, recent festival successes by coco alumni include STOP-ZEMLIA by Kateryna Gornostai (Ukraine; Crystal Bear for Best Film at Berlinale Generation 14plus 2021), LAST «DEAR BULGARIA» by Alexey Fedorchenko (Russia; Best Director at Moscow International Film Festival 2021), WHEN I’M DONE DYING by Nisan Dag (Turkey/USA/Germany; Best Director at Tallinn Black Nights Festival 2020) and CONFERENCE by Ivan Tverdovsky (Russia, Estonia, UK, Italy; Venice Days 2020, Best Film at FilmFestival Cottbus 2020). Levan Koguashvili’s BRIGHTON 4TH (Georgia/Bulgaria/Monaco/Russia/USA) is premiering at Tribeca Film Festival 2021.
In total, 13 projects in development (cocoPITCH) and 6 works in post-production (cocoWIP) will be selected and presented at connecting cottbus on 3 – 5 November 2021, competing for a variety of sponsored awards.
Producers can submit feature film projects in development (fiction only) for the cocoPITCH section until 16 July 2021, projects in production or post-production for cocoWIP until 18 August 2021. For both sections projects have to originate in or relate to broader Eastern Europe, or be suitable for East-West co-production. The selections will be announced in early September along with more details on the format of our co-production market.
Come and meet us! If you have questions or would like more info, drop by our virtual coco café in the upcoming weeks. Details to follow soon on our website.
Producers, sales agents, commissioning editors and other industry representatives can apply without a project until 15 October 2021.
CONTACT:
for more info about coco and project eligibility: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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connecting cottbus is supported by Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, Creative Europe/MEDIA, MDM Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung and Land Brandenburg
Thanks to our partners: D-Facto Motion, Avanpost, HAVC Croatian Audiovisual Centre, Midpoint, Producers Network, Stadt Cottbus, Transilvania Pitch Stop, New Horizons Film Festival, eave, CineLink, Filmarket Hub, Meetings on the Bridge, When East Meets West, Berlinale World Cinema Fund.
Organiser: pool production GmbH
