IMZ Performing Arts Documentary Pitching Session
16 February 2026, 14:00 – 16:00
Screening Hall 2
IMZ Performing Arts Documentary Pitching Session
With this new format, we’re giving you a platform to showcase your performing arts documentary projects to a jury of international decision-makers, all for a chance to win a €5,000 cash prize.
The submission period runs from 16 October to 12 December 2025. After that, our committee will handpick five outstanding projects to be showcased at Avant Première 2026. Selected filmmakers will be notified by 15 January, with the live pitching session taking place on 16 February in Berlin.
MODERATOR
Jean-Jacques Peretti
JURY
The Jury consist of 5 internationally renowned decision makers from the realm of performing arts documentary films.
Selected Projects
Bodies Never Lie: The Margot Fonteyn Story
Hannah Berryman + Peter Worsley, PJPictures
People do not emigrate only to escape wars or persecutions, economic or climatic crises. Far Away tells the story of five young cultural migrants who have decided to pursue their artistic vocation, despite the difficulties faced on their journey, leaving their homes and loved ones behind.
Harmonies of Heritage
Norman Patocka, Gemini Quint
Harmonies of Heritage is a 45 to 50-minute documentary series celebrating the power of music and cultural heritage through children’s and youth choirs, orchestras and traditions. It explores the dialogue between musical education and local customs, highlighting endangered instruments, folklore and music’s unifying role across communities worldwide.
Invisible Heroes – The Power of Music in Video Games
Günter Atteln, Accentus Music
Video games are more popular than ever, and their music has become central to their success. From the first sounds of Pong in 1972 to today’s cinematic scores, game soundtracks rival Hollywood productions. This film offers the first global exploration of video game music, featuring leading composers shaping the sound of generations.
Martin Fröst – Beethoven and Beyond
Johan Holmquist + Florian Pannes, Kelb AB
Martin Fröst – Beethoven and Beyond is a visually bold five-part documentary following the clarinettist’s most ambitious project. Marking Beethoven’s 200th anniversary in 2027, the series explores the composer’s musical DNA through innovation and collaboration, tracing Fröst’s journey from early rehearsals to international stages while revealing an artist in constant transformation.
Sub Balkans
Sergiu Scobioala + Max T. Ciorbă, REALITATEA FILM
Sub Balkans follows Bean MC, frontman of Subcarpați, on a musical journey across six Balkan countries. In search of ancient sounds and forgotten instruments, he collaborates with local artists to blend folk traditions with contemporary rhythms, uncovering the region’s shared cultural heritage through a newly created album.
The Last Season
Hannah Buhr + Juliane Sauter, Freelance
nside the world’s largest privately funded opera house, Germany’s old industrial elite gather in the exclusive Club 300. As wealth turns into influence, sponsorship becomes currency. Over one season, the film observes rivalries, rituals and the quiet tension between cultural patronage, power and the fear of fading relevance.
