Documentary Experts Meeting & Pitching Sessions - 2025 Autumn Session

The 2025 Autumn sequel of the EBU Documentary Experts meeting/pitching session will take place in Amsterdam on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November 2025 during the International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam (IDFA).

More detailed information will be communicated in due time, but you are already invited to block these dates in your agendas.

The call for submissions will be issued on Tuesday 19 August with a deadline for submissions on Tuesday 16 September.

Lead broadcasters whose projects are selected for the pitch will be notified in early October. The full list of selected projects, along with the meeting agenda, will be made public by Wednesday, 15 October at the latest.

Registration for the meeting will open at the same time. 

Scout and prepare your BEST proposals and be ready to submit! Project criteria are available below and on the EDS page. Should you need advice on how to prepare your project proposal, please reach out to the Board members. 

What we are looking for

• Documentaries and series that are universal and relevant across Europe,
• Films and series that audiences, and in particular substantial young, diverse audiences, will want to watch and engage with on TV and online,
• Films and series that will have a real impact, with exceptional marketing potential and the ability to create a real noise on social media and in the wider world.

Films or series which:

• Push the boundaries with daring and captivating new forms of storytelling,
• Are binge-worthy series, accessible crowd pleasers,
• Are potential A-list festival contenders,
• Have a modern approach/visualisation,
• Have the popularity to reach a broader audience,
• Have potential for primetime programming,
• Topic is relevant,
• Have a new approach/originality,
• Have international appeal,
• Are feasible.