To apply to the 2027 AGORA Docs in Progress program, submit the online application in English by November 25, 2026, with a secure web link to at least 25 minutes of selected documentary excerpts or scenes. The application form cannot be changed after submission, so confirm eligibility, prepare the viewing material and English subtitles, and check every response before sending it.
Who can apply to AGORA Docs in Progress?
AGORA Docs in Progress, part of the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, presents late-stage documentary projects to potential buyers, co-producers, festival representatives and sales agents. The call is open to documentary features longer than 60 minutes and documentary series. A feature of exactly 60 minutes does not meet the stated feature-length requirement.
The program accepts a wide range of documentary forms, including creative and television documentaries, episodic documentaries, documentaries for children, hybrid works, essay films, animation, non-narrative films and interdisciplinary projects. The project should be sufficiently advanced to provide a substantial selection of film material: the application requires at least 25 minutes of excerpts or scenes.
Regional and thematic connection
Regional eligibility is not limited to projects produced in a listed country. A connection may come from production or co-production in one of the countries named on the festival’s official 2027 program page, or from story elements linked to the listed regions. The page also says projects from outside those countries may apply for committee evaluation. That is an invitation to be considered, not a guarantee of eligibility or selection; explain the project’s relevant connection clearly where applicable.
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A producer or production company may submit up to two projects. If submitting two, treat each as a separate application and ensure that the material and project information for each are complete.
Feature or series: which category fits?
The published eligibility distinguishes documentary features over 60 minutes from documentary series. If the project is a feature, check its intended total running time against the strict “over 60 minutes” threshold; a 60-minute work is not over that limit. If it is episodic, the call explicitly includes documentary series and episodic documentaries. The page does not set a separate episode-count or series-length threshold, so consult the live form for any additional category-specific fields.
Likewise, regional connection can be established in more than one way: production or co-production in a listed country, or story elements connected with the regions. Projects from outside the named countries are not automatically excluded from consideration, but the committee evaluates them. The festival’s 2026 AGORA Docs in Progress page for the 2027 edition is the place to verify the current country list and application language.
2027 application dates and event schedule
| Milestone | Date or timing |
|---|---|
| Open call | September 18, 2026 |
| Application deadline | November 25, 2026 |
| Selection notification | Mid-January 2027 |
| Mandatory online workshop | End of January 2027 |
| In-person AGORA Docs in Progress, Thessaloniki | March 6–11, 2027 |
| Online meetings | March 12, 2027 |
These dates are for the 2027 edition, as stated on the festival’s current program page. The application deadline is November 25, 2026; plan to submit before the final day rather than relying on last-minute troubleshooting.
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The schedule also matters when deciding whether to apply. A selected team has a mandatory online workshop at the end of January, followed by the in-person program in Thessaloniki from March 6 to 11 and online meetings the next day. At least one project representative must attend the entire in-person program, so confirm availability before submitting. Selection is notified in mid-January, leaving a short interval before the workshop and the March event.
What to prepare before opening the form
- A secure viewing link: It must provide at least 25 minutes of selected film excerpts or scenes. The page does not state an approved hosting service, access duration or technical file specifications, so check the live application form or ask the festival if you need clarification.
- English application materials and subtitles: Complete the form in English and prepare the submitted film material with English subtitles as required.
- Project and team information: Have accurate details about the documentary, its director and production company ready so you can complete the form consistently.
- Workshop and market history: Be ready to list any other workshops or markets in which the project has participated, with dates. Disclose pending applications as well. If this is the project’s first presentation, say so.
- Any award-specific documents: If applying for the Eurimages New Lab Award – Outreach, prepare its additional PDF and the required exclusion-criteria declaration described below.
Plan the excerpt selection as a core application element
The secure link is not merely a technical attachment. The festival says selection is based mainly on the quality of the visual material and also considers artistic elements and themes. Use the minimum 25 minutes to show the film’s visual qualities and distinctive approach as clearly as possible. Choose excerpts that help a viewer understand what kind of work this is and how its images relate to its themes; do not assume that a general description can compensate for material that does not communicate the project’s character.
The published call does not specify whether the 25 minutes must be continuous, which hosting services are accepted, how long the link must remain active, or what video file formats are required. Those are live-form or festival-contact questions, not requirements to guess at. Before submitting, verify that the secure link works for its intended audience and that the subtitles are present and readable, while checking the current form for any technical instructions.
There are two different clip requirements to keep separate. The application requires a secure link with at least 25 minutes of selected scenes or excerpts. If selected, the team later prepares a 12-minute clip after feedback; that clip must consist of film excerpts, include English subtitles and must not be a trailer or promotional reel.
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How to submit the application
- Check the project category and readiness. Confirm that the project is a documentary feature longer than 60 minutes or a documentary series, and that you can provide the required minimum of 25 minutes of excerpts or scenes. Assess whether the project has a regional or thematic connection described by the festival; projects outside the listed countries may also be submitted for committee evaluation.
- Select material that represents the film. Choose excerpts that show the project’s visual quality, artistic approach and themes. The program’s published selection criteria give particular weight to the visual material, so a collection of scenes should make the project’s character legible rather than merely demonstrate that footage exists.
- Prepare the secure link and English subtitles. Test the link and viewing access before entering it in the form. The official page does not establish link-hosting or access-duration rules, so do not assume a platform or technical setup is accepted; consult the live form or contact the festival for those details.
- Complete the official online form in English. Enter the project, director and company details carefully. Include the history of prior workshops and markets, the dates of participation, and any pending applications. State explicitly if the project has not been presented elsewhere.
- Complete any relevant award documentation. If seeking the Eurimages New Lab Award – Outreach, include the requested material in one PDF and submit the exclusion-criteria declaration template as required by the official materials.
- Review the entire application, then submit by November 25, 2026. Check names, dates, links, subtitles, attachments and disclosures. The form cannot be edited after submission, and elements of the application may be used for communications if the project is selected.
Because the form is final after submission, treat the last review as a substantive check, not just proofreading. Confirm that the video link opens for a viewer who is not logged into your account and that the submitted excerpts are the intended version. This is practical submission advice; the program page does not publish a detailed link-testing protocol.
Final review before pressing submit
Use a final pass to compare the information in the form with the viewing link and any award attachment. Check that the project title, director and company details are consistent, the running-time category is accurate, and your listed workshop or market participation includes dates. If applications are pending elsewhere, disclose them; if the project has not previously been presented, make that clear. Then test the link, check the English subtitles and confirm that the footage runs for at least 25 minutes. This matters because the festival says the form cannot be changed after submission, and application-form elements may be used for communications if a project is selected.
The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival’s 2026 AGORA Docs in Progress page for the 2027 edition gives the deadline as November 25, 2026. The live form may add fields or technical requirements beyond those described on the program page. Check that current form rather than relying on assumptions about platforms, link expiry, formats or other operational details.
How projects are selected
The festival plans to select 8–10 documentary feature films. Its stated criteria emphasize the quality of the visual material, the project’s artistic elements and themes, and the track records of the director and production company. The final selection also aims for balance across represented countries, regions, genders and themes.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The program does not publish a numerical scoring rubric or a fixed weighting among those criteria. In practical terms, give the committee a clear sense of the film through the selected scenes: choose material that conveys the work’s artistic qualities and themes, and make the relationship between those excerpts and the project as a whole understandable in the application. A strong professional track record is relevant, but the published criteria do not say it replaces the visual material or guarantees a place.
The selection target is 8–10 feature films, while eligibility also includes documentary series. That figure is the stated number of documentary features the program selects; it should not be treated as a published quota for every project format or region. The festival says it seeks balance across countries, regions, genders and themes, so applicants should present the project’s actual context clearly rather than trying to infer a formula or predict how the balance will be applied.
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What happens if your project is selected?
Preparatory workshop and attendance
Selected directors and producers are invited to a mandatory online workshop at the end of January 2027. It includes pitching training and feedback on the clip excerpts. At least one representative from the project must attend the entire in-person program in Thessaloniki, scheduled for March 6–11, 2027. Online meetings follow on March 12.
The workshop is part of the program, not an optional orientation: plan for the relevant directors and producers to take part in the online preparation, then ensure that at least one representative can be present for the full in-person program. The source gives the online workshop timing as late January, but does not specify its duration or individual session hours.
Clip for the program
After receiving feedback, participating teams are asked to prepare a 12-minute clip made up of excerpts from the film, with English subtitles. It must not be a trailer or promotional reel. This is a later program deliverable and should not be confused with the initial application’s minimum 25 minutes of selected material.
Accommodation and travel
The festival says selected teams receive five nights of accommodation and may receive reimbursement for part of their travel expenses. Reimbursement is partial, not a promise of full travel coverage, and receipts are required. The official page does not specify a reimbursement amount in the stated information.
In practical budgeting terms, five nights of accommodation are the stated provision; no further accommodation duration or travel amount is specified on the page. Teams should retain receipts for eligible travel costs and should not assume that the program covers all fares or other expenses. Confirm the reimbursement procedure and any eligibility conditions with the festival if selected.
Completed-film credit
Films completed after presentation at AGORA Docs in Progress must include the program logo in their credits. The festival prefers a credit line identifying the film as presented at AGORA Docs in Progress of the relevant Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival edition and year. Confirm the exact logo and credit wording with the festival’s current materials when preparing the final credits.
Additional award opportunities and requirements
The official 2027 page lists several awards and services. Their terms and availability can change, so check the current program page and application materials for conditions before relying on an award in a financing plan.
| Award or opportunity | Published detail | Application relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Eurimages New Lab Award – Outreach | €30,000 cash prize for one documentary or XR project participating in AGORA Docs in Progress | Requires a single PDF with the specified project, innovation, outreach and budget materials, plus an exclusion-criteria declaration. |
| Two Thirty-Five | Post-production services award | Specific value and further terms are not stated here; check the official materials. |
| Authorwave | Post-production sound award | Specific value and further terms are not stated here; check the official materials. |
| Neaniko Plano | Subtitling award | Specific value and further terms are not stated here; check the official materials. |
| Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center | €3,000 award for a Greek project | For a Greek project; check the current eligibility conditions. |
| IMPRONTA FILMS | Guidance award for festival strategy and promotion | Specific value and further terms are not stated here; check the official materials. |
| Onassis Film Award | €5,000 for a Greek project participating in the AGORA | For a Greek project participating in the AGORA; check the current eligibility conditions. |
What the Eurimages Outreach application must contain
Applicants seeking the €30,000 Eurimages New Lab Award – Outreach must provide one PDF containing:
- A conceptual note or video pitch addressing the work’s innovative or experimental nature.
- An international outreach strategy.
- An explanation of how the award would be used to finalize the project and implement its outreach.
- A project description, treatment or script.
- Previous works, where applicable.
- A financing plan and budget.
The official page also requires an exclusion-criteria declaration template. Use the version included in the current application materials rather than substituting a self-written statement.
Is the Outreach award a fit?
The award is distinct from the general application requirements: it is a €30,000 cash prize for one documentary or XR project participating in AGORA Docs in Progress, with a separate package of supporting documents. Consider applying for it only if the project can explain its innovative or experimental nature, set out an international outreach strategy and show how the money would help complete the work and carry out that strategy. The requested financing plan and budget should make that intended use concrete. The call does not say that submitting an Outreach application guarantees the award or changes the main program’s selection criteria.
The other listed opportunities are services or awards, not stated application fees or required purchases. Two Thirty-Five offers post-production services, Authorwave offers post-production sound, Neaniko Plano offers subtitling, and IMPRONTA FILMS offers guidance on festival strategy and promotion. The Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center award is €3,000 for a Greek project, while the Onassis Film Award is €5,000 for a Greek project participating in the AGORA. Confirm current conditions and availability; the program page does not specify values or detailed terms for several of these opportunities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common application mistakes to avoid
- Submitting exactly 60 minutes as a feature: The listed feature requirement is over 60 minutes. Documentary series are also eligible.
- Providing less than 25 minutes of selected material: The application requires a secure link with at least 25 minutes of excerpts or scenes. This is distinct from the later 12-minute clip requested of selected teams.
- Using a trailer instead of scenes for the later clip: The post-workshop 12-minute clip must consist of film excerpts and is explicitly not to be a trailer or promo reel.
- Omitting project history: Report prior workshop and market participation with dates, pending applications, or state that this is the first presentation.
- Assuming the application can be fixed later: The form cannot be changed after submission. Check the complete form and attachments before sending.
- Assuming a video platform or technical format is accepted: The program page does not specify hosting services, access duration or detailed file-format rules. Verify requirements in the live form or with the festival.
- Treating travel support as full reimbursement: The stated support is possible reimbursement of part of travel expenses, with receipts required; five nights of accommodation are provided.
- Forgetting English subtitles: The application materials and the later 12-minute program clip require English subtitles. Check subtitle readiness for the excerpts before submission.
- Confusing optional award paperwork with core application material: The additional single PDF and exclusion-criteria declaration apply to applicants seeking the Eurimages New Lab Award – Outreach. Do not omit them if applying for that award, and check whether the current form has other requirements.
- Leaving attendance planning until after selection: At least one representative must attend the entire in-person program in Thessaloniki. Check availability for March 6–11, 2027, as well as the online workshop at the end of January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to apply to AGORA Docs in Progress for 2027?
Submit the online application by November 25, 2026. The open call began September 18, 2026, and the festival lists notification for mid-January 2027.
How much footage does the application require?
The application requires a secure web link to at least 25 minutes of selected documentary excerpts or scenes, with English subtitles. The festival’s program page does not specify approved hosting services, link access duration or detailed file-format rules, so check the live form or ask the festival.
Can a documentary series apply, or must the project be a feature?
Documentary series are eligible, as are documentary features longer than 60 minutes. A feature of exactly 60 minutes does not meet the published feature-length requirement.
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Does my project have to be produced in a listed country?
No single type of connection is stated as mandatory: regional links may come from production or co-production in a listed country, or from story elements tied to the regions. The festival also welcomes applications from outside the listed countries for committee evaluation; that does not guarantee selection.
Can I edit the form after submitting it?
No. The festival says the application form cannot be changed after submission. Review the details, disclosures, link and attachments before sending it.
What happens after a project is selected?
Selected directors and producers are invited to a mandatory online workshop at the end of January 2027. At least one representative must attend the entire in-person program in Thessaloniki, March 6–11, followed by online meetings on March 12. Selected teams receive five nights of accommodation and may be reimbursed for part of travel expenses; receipts are required.
Is the later 12-minute clip the same as the application footage?
No. The initial application link must contain at least 25 minutes of selected scenes or excerpts. After feedback, selected teams prepare a separate 12-minute clip with English subtitles; it must consist of film excerpts, not a trailer or promo reel.
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Applicants must include one PDF with a conceptual note or video pitch about the work’s innovative or experimental nature, an international outreach strategy, an explanation of how the award would help finalize the project and implement outreach, a project description, treatment or script, previous works where applicable, and a financing plan and budget. The official materials also require an exclusion-criteria declaration template.
The Bottom Line
For the 2027 call, submit the English online form by November 25, 2026, with a secure link to at least 25 minutes of selected excerpts or scenes and English subtitles. Check the project category, regional connection, prior and pending market disclosures, and any award-specific documents before submission: the form cannot be edited afterward. If selected, plan for the mandatory late-January workshop, full in-person attendance by at least one representative from March 6–11, and the separate 12-minute excerpt clip.
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