Following last year's successful launch, the Academy of Austrian Film is once again starting its mentoring programme for young filmmakers. The programme is aimed at people who have already gained their first film experience - for example with a realised short, feature or documentary film - but are not yet full members of the Academy.

The programme runs from October 2025 to March 2026 and enables personal, flexible support from established professionals from the film industry. Whether it's a trip to the cinema together, a project meeting, creative sparring or insights into everyday working life - the mentor and mentee design the content of the mentoring individually. The aim is not only to impart expertise, but also to open up networks and create a direct line to experienced colleagues.

The programme does not include drama, for which a special format focusing on "casting" is planned for the autumn.

Interested parties can apply until 31 August 2025. The application should include a short letter of motivation, an overview of previous artistic work and the names of 2-3 preferred mentors from the Academy's list of members.

A committee selects up to ten participants in September. In accordance with the Academy's diversity criteria, preference will be given to people with equal qualifications who have more difficult access to the film industry. Participation is free of charge.

Further information and the list of members for the selection of mentors can be found on the Academy's website: www.oesterreichische-filmakademie.at