The organizers of When East Meets West (WEMW) 2026, taking place from 18 to 20 January 2026 in Trieste, Italy, invite film professionals to apply for the Inspirational Labs industry program. The application deadline is 5 November 2025.

Inspirational Labs is a series of workshops and initiatives designed for film producers from Europe, Latin America, and Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to develop new content and explore innovative business models within one of the following labs: Amazing Intelligence, Anima Spirit, Cold Open, Docs Meet Series, Genre Rules, Impact Zone, Sustainable Leadership, and Unlocking Capital.
Developed in collaboration with leading training institutions, the program aims to inspire creative experimentation in form, theme, and production strategies.

The INSPIRATIONAL LABS include:

– Amazing Intelligence – exploring the balance between human ability and AI efficiency (in collaboration with ACE Producers)

– Anima Spirit – a journey through the world of animated film production (CEE Animation Workshop)

– Cold Open – hands-on training for professionals interested in drama series (MIDPOINT Institute)

– Docs Meet Series – producing high-quality international docuseries (EURODOC)

– Genre Rules – an in-depth exploration of genre cinema (Fantastic Film Forum, Trieste Science+Fiction Festival)

– Impact Zone – co-creating films that drive social change (ESoDoc)

– Sustainable Leadership – well-being and success for women in film (International Screen Institute)

– Unlocking Capital – empowering producers to work with private investors (Investors Circle – Marché du Film, Festival de Cannes)

Eligibility:
– open to producers from Europe, Canada, and Latin America,
– applicants may apply to up to three labs (only one will be selected),
– simultaneous applications to other WEMW sections (Co-Production Forum, Works in Progress, EAVE Slate) are allowed.

The Inspirational Labs workshops will take place from 18 to 20 January 2026, running alongside the main WEMW program. Selection results will be announced in December 2025, based primarily on the applicant’s profile and motivation.

To apply, create an account and complete the online application form via this link.

OCTOBER 2025