The Profile of the European Film Market
The European Film Market is one of the top three meeting places of the international film and media industries. Its close links with the Berlinale as a public film festival, and its position at the heart of Berlin’s vivid creative economy, are defining characteristics of the Berlinale’s film market. Yet the EFM is more than just an agile marketplace for trading film and audiovisual content – it has also positioned itself as a platform for innovation and change.
Over a period of eight days, around 10,000 representatives of the international film and media industries – primarily producers, buyers and sales agents, distributors and financiers – come together to network, exchange, inform themselves and do business. As the first major film market of the year, the EFM is in a strong position and serves as a compass, barometer and pacesetter for the new film year: new productions and developments, future-proof business models, contacts and contracts – it all starts here.
The EFM's varied locations range from the beautiful Gropius Bau to elegant Marriott Hotel or modern Berliner Freiheit. A professional infrastructure for exhibitors, state-of-the-art cinemas, numerous market premieres and outstanding service via close customer and partner relationships distinguish the film market as a first class trading platform. The EFM serves the diversity and breadth of requirements for its different participant groups, focusing on networking, exchange, information and the constant integration of new players.
The European Film Market (EFM) is one of the world’s leading platforms for the global film, media, and entertainment industries, held annually alongside the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). As a vibrant marketplace, the EFM brings together key professionals, including producers, distributors, sales agents, buyers, and financiers, to buy, sell, and license films and series, as well as documentaries and other audiovisual content. Beyond the transactional aspect, the EFM serves as a vital hub for collaboration, trend exploration, and networking, helping shape the future of the industry.
An exciting new development within the EFM ecosystem is the introduction of Berlinale Pro*, uniting various professional and industry-focused initiatives under one umbrella. Berlinale Pro* integrates the European Film Market (EFM), the Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund, creating a comprehensive merge where industry professionals can collaborate, develop, and explore new opportunities.
Through Berlinale Pro*, the Berlinale and EFM offer a comprehensive platform covering the full spectrum of the film industry—from established professionals to emerging talent, and from traditional filmmaking to global collaborations. With Tanja Meissner as its new director, Berlinale Pro* aims to strengthen connections between these initiatives, promoting creativity, sustainability, and innovation within the film industry. This integration ensures that the EFM and its associated programmes continue to be a driving force in the global entertainment landscape.
• The European Film Market (EFM) remains at the heart of this platform, offering a space for the buying and selling of films and content, alongside networking opportunities for global industry players.
• The Co-Production Market focuses on fostering international co-productions, bringing together producers and financiers to develop collaborative film projects.
• Berlinale Talents is dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers and creative talents, offering workshops, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with experienced professionals.
• The World Cinema Fund supports filmmakers from regions with less established film infrastructure, providing funding and access to international markets to help realise unique and diverse film projects.