The FilmFest Hamburg Industry Days, taking place from 28 September to 1 October 2026, will once again bring together a range of industry events for the international film and cinema sector. This year’s programme will focus, amongst other things, on European film projects in post-production, new approaches to cinema and audience development, and international production and business models.

A key component is the ninth edition of European Work in Progress (EWIP), which is taking place in Hamburg for the second time from 28 to 30 September. Up to 25 European feature film, animated and documentary projects will be presented there to international distribution and festival representatives, as well as other industry professionals. The projects are currently in production or post-production and are expected to be nearing completion. The aim of the event is to bring filmmakers together with potential partners for distribution, festival exposure and any outstanding funding.

The jury for this year’s edition has now been finalised. Its members include, amongst others, Christian Bräuer, Managing Director of the Yorck Cinema Group, and Valeska Neu, who is responsible for management and sales at the international sales agency Films Boutique. Other members include Paolo Bertolin, Rebecca De Pas and Iñigo Trojaola. The jury awards prizes and services with a total value, according to EWIP, of around 140,000 euros . These include, amongst other things, services relating to post-production, sound, colour grading, marketing, translation and costumes.

At the same time, a new Innovation Programme the future of cinema. FILMFEST HAMBURG, the CICAE and Futura Cinema are inviting European cinema and cultural professionals to Hamburg from 29 September to 1 October. The focus will be on six innovative projects that are exploring new ways of engaging audiences, designing cinema spaces and developing cultural venues. The projects will be put through their paces in cinemas and venues across Hamburg. Cinema operators, festival organisers and cultural professionals will be able to contribute their experiences directly to the development of these initiatives.

Another key focus is the Explorer Conference on 1 October. Now in its seventh year, the event brings together international experts from the creative industries, finance and innovation. Under this year’s theme, „Redefining Production“, the programme will focus, amongst other things, on new organisational and business models for production companies, as well as on how independent producers can position themselves in an increasingly consolidated market.

Particular emphasis is placed on the Asian film markets and European-Asian partnerships. The programme includes, amongst other things, discussions on financing models, international co-productions and specific opportunities for collaboration between European and Asian producers. Other topics include vertical drama, audience research and the use of new business and production models.

Also European film policy is part of the programme. A session entitled „AgoraEU: Europe’s Audiovisual Future“ will focus on the industry’s expectations of the European Union in terms of film policy and the significance of the planned EU umbrella funding programme, AgoraEU.

The Industry Days thus cover a broad spectrum across the audiovisual value chain: from the Funding and the international positioning of film projects about Sales and Audience Development right up to Innovation in cinema, new forms of production and European film policy. Hamburg thus once again offers the German and European film industries a platform for exchange, cooperation and the development of new business models.