Call for projects: Impact Days 2026 (now closed)

For its 2026 Impact Days edition, the FIFDH is looking for documentary projects across two sections:

• The International Pitch: projects in production or post-production, for which you wish to develop an impact campaign.
  
  
• The Swiss Focus Pitch: Swiss productions also have the opportunity to be selected for the Swiss Focus pitch. We are looking for projects whose campaign is aimed to be implemented – either in part or entirely – in Switzerland.
  

What’s in it for you?

Throughout January and February, expert international tutors will coach the selected filmmaking teams to develop an impact strategy around their project.

In March, the selected filmmaking teams will be welcomed in Geneva for the Impact Days (March 8-10): three inspiring days of public pitches, case studies, talks with key impact players and curated networking sessions. These activities are open to international filmmakers, impact producers, NGOs and other organisations working on social justice issues, philanthropists and the media. 

Selection criteria

The selection will be based on the following criteria:

Cinematographic quality: the project offers a high-quality cinematographic approach and storytelling.

Topic matter: the project deals with urgent and important issues relating to human rights and/or the environment

Impact potential: the project has the potential to affect public and/or stakeholder opinion on the issue it addresses

Relevance to Geneva: the project’s impact objectives justify the teams coming to Geneva, due to the presence of strategic stakeholders (international organisations, NGOs, diplomatic missions, etc.).

We encourage applications from independent filmmakers and/or producers who are actively committed to achieving their impact objectives by forging new collaborations and mobilising key stakeholders.

A committee of international impact practitioners selects the final 16 projects.

Eligibility

• Projects in production and post-production (NB a trailer or teaser is absolutely required).
• Non-fiction films of 52+ minutes in length. 
• From any country, about any topic related to human rights and/or environmental justice.
• Only one project per company or filmmaker. However, an applicant can be a member of the key creative personnel on multiple projects.

Selected teams will benefit from:

• Expert training on developing the film’s impact goals and strategy; designing and delivering an impact pitch; identifying potential partners outside the documentary industry; identifying and inspiring strategic audiences.
• The opportunity to publicly pitch the project and its impact campaign in Geneva in March 2026, within the FIFDH’s professional programme Impact Days, in the presence of potential funders and impact partners (NGOs, civil society, journalists).
• Curated connections to key players (NGOs and other international organizations, foundations, impact producers) within their issue areas, through pre-arranged one-to-one meetings curated by our team.
• Networking opportunities with current and previous international Impact Days participants: filmmakers, producers, impact producers, experts and Lab tutors, as well as other FIFDH Festival attendees.

Please note: Selected teams will have to attend all compulsory events (Impact Lab and Impact Days) with at least one participant. These events take place 14 & 15 January online as well as various other dates in January and February, then 8-11 March in person in Geneva. All events are held in English. 

Costs and discounts

Submission is free. 

Selected teams must pay an accreditation fee of 200 CHF for each team member attending the event. This accreditation gives access to all Impact Lab and Impact Days activities including lunches and the closing cocktail, as well as to all Festival screenings and discussions for the entire duration of the FIFDH (6-15 March 2026).

Travel to and from Geneva is at the participants’ expense (see below for more information). Accommodation is covered for the selected participants.

Selected participants who are:

• Based in the DDC priority countries can have their accreditation, trip and accommodation covered by the FIFDH.
  
• Members of partner organisations (click link and see ‘In Collaboration With’ section) will benefit from a 25% discount on their accreditation fee.
  

Submissions for 2026 are now closed

For International Pitch or Swiss Focus submission questions please contact impactdays@fifdh.org