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enSTORIES AND LEGENDS
About FRISSONS EN GRAND EST – A TERRITORY OF LEGENDS
The Grand Est Region stands out in France for its film policy promoting genre cinema and offers several support schemes covering the entire filmmaking process, from creation to distribution, for films produced, shot, or supported in the Grand Est. The aim is to build a local distribution network showcasing a distinctive narrative range across the supported projects.
In addition to the regional film fund and the involvement of partner local authorities (PLATO network), the Region has, since 2022, implemented a dedicated call for projects to support the writing, development, and production of genre short and feature films under the label “Frissons en Grand Est – the region of genre cinema.”
This territory provides a privileged framework for the development of projects aligned with the Frissons en Grand Est universe. It offers a remarkable combination of natural landscapes from the Vosges mountain range and authentic locations, where forests, valleys, and peaks contribute to a strong territorial identity. The region is also distinguished by the richness of its history, bringing together industrial heritage and narratives with a fantastical dimension, well suited to a wide range of artistic and cultural approaches.
Inspiration Phase
This first phase of the FRISSONS EN GRAND EST cycle, designed to enable filmmakers to identify original subjects with strong inspirational potential, will be structured around two inspiration visits:
- 26–28 January 2026: Strasbourg and Gérardmer (France), in conjunction with the Gerardmer International Fantastic Film Festival
- 13–17 April 2026: Brussels (Belgium), in collaboration with the BIF Market (Brussels Genre Film Market), held alongside the BIFFF – Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival
Inspiration Session #1
The CinEuro Film Lab, led by the Grand Est Region as the coordinating authority of the CinEuro project, accompanied a cross-border delegation of 10 professionals for its new programme “FRISSONS EN GRAND EST”, held from Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 January 2026, on the occasion of the 2026 Gérardmer Fantastic Film Festival.
Over the course of three days, 10 screenwriters and directors from France, as well as from Germany and Switzerland, benefited from tailored support through a dedicated programme offered as part of the “Stories and Legends” thematic sequence of the CinEuro Film Lab. This programme enabled them to discover the local ecosystem around the Vosges massif, in connection with local talents and specialised partners.
Between Strasbourg and Gérardmer, this itinerant journey immersed participants in the mysteries of the Beast of the Vosges and the fascinating legends of the region, while also providing opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, and explore future collaborations.
In partnership with the Gérardmer Fantastic Film Festival, this delegation forms part of a broader dynamic of cross-border cooperation, with continuity at the BIF Market (the co-production market of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival).
A cross-border duo consisting of a writer and a director will have the opportunity to take part in pitch sessions within the “Hatching Ravens” module at the next edition of the BIF Market.
Inspiration Session #2
The Inspiration Session – FRISSONS EN GRAND EST #2 will take place in Brussels, Belgium, from April 13 to 17, 2026, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the BIF MARKET (Brussels Genre Film Market).
On this occasion, up to two pairs of professionals residing in France (an author/writer and his/her producer) may benefit from financial support to participate in the “HATCHING RAVEN” programme, subject to their selection by the BIF MARKET. The results will be announced in February/March 2026.
The Hatching Ravens showcase projects at an intermediate stage of development that are seeking partners to complete their financing, post-production, or distribution. Selected by a committee of industry professionals (Todd Brown and Javier Fernández Cuarto), these projects reflect the diversity and dynamism of genre production and compete for six awards — three post-production cash prizes and three invitations to international markets (Sitges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, FEFFS, IberSeries & Platino Industria). These awards represent concrete and immediate support for the selected projects.
How to apply?
Link to apply
Please make sure to identify yourself with the mention “I was invited by CINEURO”.
Target audience:
- Only professionals residing in the Grand Est region, or whose creative team includes a member who participated in the FRISSONS EN GRAND EST programme (January 26–28, 2026), are eligible for this financial support.
- Applicants must commit to participating in the entire programme from April 13 to 17, 2026.
Terms of support:
- Coverage of travel expenses up to €250 per person.
- Coverage of accommodation costs (up to five nights, from Sunday, April 12 to Friday, April 17, 2026).
