Tanja Meissner, interview with the director of Berlinale Pro

Starting last year, the European Film Market , the first major film market of the year, has become part of of Berlinale Pro* which integrates the EFM, the Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund as a big multifaceted family.

Under the direction of Tanja Meissner, the Berlinale Pro and in particular the EFM, to quote Berlinale’s artistic director, Trisha Tuttle, support film businesses who ensure cultural cinema reaches audiences around the world and focus on digital innovation to creating pathways into the business for new talent.

With a focus on fostering creativity, collaboration, and new business models, Berlinale Pro is shaping the future of European filmmaking.

EFM Animation Days

A lot of new initiatives this year, starting from EFM Animation Days. As the world of animation cinema is expanding more and more every day this first edition  marks a major expansion of the Market’s portfolio. Over three days, the programme gathers global animation creatives, studios, producers, buyers, financiers and cross-IP partners for curated showcases, pitch formats, case studies, workshops and networking opportunities.

EFM Beyond, Spotlight on, EFM Frontières Focus

In 2026, Berlinale Pro introduces EFM Beyond, a new programme cluster dedicated to innovative market strategies and cross-media collaboration.

The training programme is targeted towards producers, bringing together film, animation, gaming, and adjacent creative sectors such as story-based XR, EFM Beyond provides a platform where future-facing creativity, cutting-edge technology and business innovation meet.

With Spotlight on, the EFM is showcasing Works in Progress and Pitches, including the EFM Far East in Progress WIP selection, a new partnership of EFM with EAVE Ties that Bind and Focus Asia (Udine Far East Film Festival). The curated showcase will present brand-new Asian films in post-production, ready to make their debut at fall markets and festivals.

Under the new banner EFM Frontières Focus, five bold and innovative international genre projects in advanced financing, production or early post-production will be highlighted.

Country of Focus: Morocco

In 2026, the EFM spotlights Morocco as its Country in Focus, highlighting the exceptional production landscape and co-production potential. Through curated pitching sessions, showcases and networking events, the EFM sheds a spotlight on one of the most dynamic creative countries in the MENA region.