Lithuanian Shorts Launches New Training Programme for Emerging Producers: “Up!”
Lithuanian Shorts, the Lithuanian Short Film Agency, has opened a call for applications for a new training programme titled “Up!”. Tailored specifically for emerging film producers working with short films, the programme is open this year exclusively to Lithuanian participants. “Up!” is designed to strengthen professional skills, introduce participants to the international short film ecosystem, explore co-production principles, and develop self-presentation, communication, and distribution strategies. The first edition of the programme will take place on October 6–10, 2025, in Vilnius, as a satellite event of the Baltic Short Film Industry Event “Baltic Pitching Forum”.
“After more than a decade of working with the new generation of filmmakers, we saw a clear need to strengthen the professional skills of emerging film producers and encourage them to develop projects with international partners. In recent years, we’ve observed a growing number of short film ideas in Lithuania, but their realisation requires producers who understand the international film ecosystem and are open to co-production. While Europe offers several training programmes for experienced feature film producers, there are still no programmes specifically focused on short film producers,” says Lithuanian Shorts director Rimantė Daugėlaitė-Cegelskienė.
In the first edition of “Up!”, Marija Razgutė (M-Films) – one of the most active and well-known film producers in the Baltic region – will take on the role of Head of Studies. The training will consist of two main components: theoretical seminars and practical workshops, led by experienced film industry professionals, as well as participation in the Baltic Pitching Forum – a major short film industry event in the Baltic countries. This structure will provide a strong foundation for emerging producers’ professional growth, encourage networking, foster new contacts, and support their integration into the international film community.
From October 6 to 8, participants will take part in intensive training sessions and creative workshops on topics such as: the global short film ecosystem and co-production opportunities; the role of the producer, including self-presentation, leadership, and creative thinking; project communication, pitching, and positioning; festival strategies and distribution planning for short films. Participants will also be given practical assignments and have the opportunity to consult with industry experts.
From October 7 to 10, the 13th edition of the Baltic Pitching Forum will take place. As part of the programme, participants will join the forum’s events and present themselves to the international film industry.
The call is open to emerging Lithuanian film producers who already have some experience in production – having completed at least one short film project (including student films) – and who are currently developing a short film project. While having a project in development is recommended for maximum programme benefit, it is not mandatory. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree, be fluent in English, and be motivated to deepen their knowledge, expand their network, and engage in international collaboration.
Applications are accepted until July 30. More information, full guidelines, and the application form HERE
The main partner: UAB Baltisches Haus, partners: Independent Producers Association of Lithuania (NPA), Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Lithuania. The programme is organised by the Lithuanian Short Film Agency Lithuanian Shorts.
