The Dream Makers

THE DREAM MAKERS is an international short film contest launched by CUPRA in cooperation with Studio Babelsberg, ESCAC (Escola Superior de Cinema i Audiovisuals de Catalunya) and Sitges Film Festival, to support the next generation of cinematic storytellers by enabling and financing the production of the winning project by the SEAT CUPRA Foundation. The application and selection process is facilitated by Berlin International Film Festival and Berlinale Talents within the framework of their partnership with CUPRA, and therefore applications are open to emerging filmmakers who can either apply as part of their application for Berlinale Talents 2027 or via ESCAC.

A shortlist of six finalists (three from the Berlinale Talents pool, three from the ESCAC pool) will be invited to Berlin by a jury of actor Daniel Brühl, director and producer J.A. Bayona, Managing Director of the subsidiary Studio Babelsberg Motion Pictures Marcus Loges, ESCAC Development Director Aintza Serra, Sitges Film Festival Artistic Director Ángel Sala – SEAT & CUPRA Chief Brand Officer Ignacio Prieto and Berlinale Festival Director Tricia Tuttle. The winner will be announced at the 77th Berlin International Film Festival and receive full production funding up to €120,000, expert mentoring from industry leaders, plus access to Berlinale Talents events, festival accreditation and more.

Who can apply?

Filmmakers who meet the eligibility requirements for Berlinale Talents and submit a complete application may additionally apply for THE DREAM MAKERS. Applicants must have been born in or after 1990, demonstrate fluency in English, and currently be developing a short film project of any topic or genre. In addition, the filmmaker must be the rightful owner of the project, with the understanding and agreement of all team members, as well as any legal or financial partners,  regarding the application.

Please note, that to apply to THE DREAM MAKERS, you must first submit a complete application to Berlinale Talents. 

What kind of project can I submit?

You can apply with a short fiction film, with a particular interest in stories that address topical social issues and spark meaningful conversation.  Your project can be produced in any country, with a maximum running time of 25 minutes and a shoot lasting no longer than 8 days. While proposals must be presented in English, the final film may be in any language, opening the door to diverse voices and perspectives. Each applicant may submit only one original, unpublished project per call – no adaptations of pre-existing works or anything which has been previously disseminated. Projects cannot be already tied to grants or subsidies, or submitted to contests, awards, festivals.

What do I need to submit?

As part of your application for THE DREAM MAKERS, please provide the following materials:

• Synopsis of the short film
• Visual dossier containing moods, optional a 30-second teaser of the short film
• Treatment (up to 5 pages)
• Script (up to 25 pages)
• Casting Proposal
• Technical Team Proposal
• Project's Video Pitch (up to 1 minute)
• Director's Reel (sample of work of up to 2 scenes and max. running time of 3 minutes)
• Portfolio (please ensure your filmography is up to date in your profile)

What will I take away?

The winner of THE DREAM MAKERS  will see their short film project brought to life with production funding of up to €120,000, provided and managed by the SEAT CUPRA Foundation. The winning project will be announced at the 77th Berlin International Film Festival, where you’ll also receive a Berlinale festival accreditation and access to Berlinale Talents panels and networking events. As part of the programme, you'll receive expert feedback from CUPRA and leading film industry mentors to strengthen your project, complete its development, and prepare for production. In addition, you'll gain valuable insights through specialized workshops led by Berlinale Talents experts. Travel and accommodation for all six finalists will be covered, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the Berlinale experience and connect with a global community of filmmakers.

Applications for the 2027 edition are open from July 8 – September 2, 2026.

Apply here once you have submitted your complete Berlinale Talents application.