Rights negotiation dominates the audiovisual trade agenda in Berlin in mid-February. European Film Market EFM 2026 runs from 12 to 18 February 2026 and concentrates activity around rights sales, co-productions and market screenings.
Practical information and venue
Commercial activity is centered at Martin-Gropius-Bau, which hosts sales offices and event rooms. Accreditation, stand bookings and market screenings are coordinated through the official site. Market Screenings provide curated sessions for buyers and acquisition teams alongside scheduled meetings.
Key programme strands at EFM 2026
The market programme lists several dedicated strands visible in the official schedule. Notable items include the Conference Programme, Berlinale Series Market, Producers & Innovation Hub and DocSalon & Archive Market. New and highlighted formats include EFM Animation Days and Spotlight On, which bring project pitches and showcases.
EFM mixes conferences with structured one-to-one meetings and film screenings. There are formats aimed at emerging talent and archival projects such as Berlinale Film School Summit and Books at Berlinale Pro. Events take place both at fixed market locations and linked hotel venues.
Company and buyer profile
European Film Market EFM 2026 attracts sales agents, distributors, streaming platforms, producers and acquisition executives from broadcasters and exhibitors. The primary focus is rights trading and securing co-production partners and territorial deals. Exhibitors typically book offices and presentation spaces to coordinate meetings with buyers and programmers.
How to prepare commercial prospecting at EFM 2026
- Map target buyers by territory and release window before arrival.
- Book Market Screenings and meeting slots on the official platform to secure agenda visibility.
- Prepare concise sales materials and accessible screeners, with clear rights availability dates.
- Prioritize in-person meetings at Martin-Gropius-Bau and satellite locations; focus on buyers who handle your target windows.
- Maintain a follow-up calendar to convert verbal agreements into confirmed deals.
These actions help turn scheduled meetings into concrete sales processes and co-production leads.
Final note and link
For companies that trade film and series rights, European Film Market EFM 2026 concentrates the tools and formats required for active commercial work. Check accreditation, screens and office bookings and consult the programme entries such as the Conference Programme and EFM Animation Days at the official site https://www.efm-berlinale.de to plan meetings and market activity.
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