Organizer Information
The Transatlantic Stars Project is a transatlantic cultural initiative presented through the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. The Film Program connects European filmmakers with American audiences and the U.S. film industry through screenings, professional development, industry meetings, and cross-cultural exchange.
Title & Description
Transatlantic Stars Film Program 2027
The Transatlantic Stars Film Program 2027 invites five mid-career film directors from EU Member States to participate in a two-week professional program in the United States in late May and early June 2027.
The program combines three main components: a screening of each selected director’s award-winning feature at the Berkshire International Film Festival, professional teach-ins and curated meetings with U.S. studios, streamers, producers, sales companies, and other industry professionals in Los Angeles, and a closing public summit in Washington, D.C.
Participants will gain practical exposure to the U.S. film industry, opportunities to present their work to American audiences, and opportunities for international networking and cross-cultural exchange.
Categories
- Film
- Feature Narrative Film
- Directing
- Live-Action Film
- Animation — feature films accepted
Eligibility
The program is open to mid-career feature narrative film directors who are citizens of an EU Member State and hold a valid passport.
Applicants must:
- Have directed a feature narrative film that received an award from a qualifying European film festival or major European award in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
- Have no criminal record.
- Be available for approximately two weeks in late May/early June 2027.
- Have sufficient spoken and written English proficiency.
- Be willing to participate in screenings, Q&As, panels, festival activities, teach-ins and industry meetings.
- Be open to cross-cultural exchange and professional networking.
Citizens of EU candidate countries are not eligible. Short films and documentary films are not eligible. Animated feature films are eligible, although priority will be given to applicants who also demonstrate a strong interest in live-action work.
For co-directed films, only one credited director may apply and participate.
Program Benefits & Awards
- International airfare to and from the United States.
- Domestic airfare within the U.S.
- Visa assistance.
- Accommodation throughout the program.
- Meals throughout the program.
- Screening of their award-winning feature at the Berkshire International Film Festival.
- Participation in Q&As, panels, a filmmaker retreat and festival conversations.
- Professional teach-ins in Los Angeles covering U.S. financing, packaging, agencies, sales companies and producer expectations.
- Curated meetings with U.S. studios, streamers, producers, sales companies and other film-industry professionals.
- Participation in the closing Transatlantic Stars summit in Washington, D.C.
- International professional networking with the other selected directors and program participants.
The program does not guarantee U.S. representation, distribution, sales or financing.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application questions available for preview: 15 September 2026
- Applications Open: 12 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026 (or earlier if 300 applications are received)
- Eligibility review and scoring: November–December 2026
- Semi-finalist interviews: January 2027
- Selected directors announced: February 2027
- Screening files and final festival materials due: April 2027
- Two-week U.S. program: Late May–Early June 2027
- Berkshire International Film Festival: June 2–5, 2027
- Closing summit in Washington, D.C.: June 2027
Location
United States, including:
- Berkshire International Film Festival
- Los Angeles, California
- Washington, D.C.
Additional Details
- Applicants should prepare a CV and filmography, third-person professional biography, publicity photographs, work samples, and responses to the application questions.
- The application must also include materials for the qualifying film, including a full-film screener, poster, trailer, three to five publicity stills, technical information, and details of the qualifying award. Applicants must provide information about U.S. festival screening rights and relevant producer, sales agent or distributor contacts.
- Applicants do not need to personally control the film's rights or publicity materials. If another party controls them, the relevant contact information should be supplied.
- Approximately 20 semi-finalists will be interviewed. Ten finalists will proceed to a jury of European and American film professionals, which will select five directors and two alternates.
- Previous applicants may reapply if they meet the Cycle 2 eligibility requirements. Participation is limited to the selected director; managers and other collaborators cannot attend.