JIIFF Lab 2026
Rules & Regulations
For Ibero-American producers and directors
JIIFF Lab is a program designed to strengthen fiction feature film projects in the development stage. It is aimed at duos made up of emerging directors and experienced producers from across Ibero-America. Over the course of five days, participants work to enhance their projects through consulting sessions, mentorships with highly recognized professionals, and networking opportunities to help bring their films to fruition.
JIIFF Lab will take place in person in José Ignacio, Uruguay, from January 28th to February 1st, 2026.
The JIIFF Lab organization will select eight (8) projects from Ibero-America, represented by sixteen (16) participants (8 director-producer duos). Among the selected projects, at least two (2) will be from Uruguay.
All duos will participate in a final pitching session, during which a specially appointed jury will award several prizes to help the projects continue to grow. One of these awards will be the Pfeffer del Sur Fund.
JIIFF Lab is part of the Working JIIFF Industry Program of the José Ignacio International Film Festival. Working JIIFF promotes connections between the regional and international film industries through training and networking opportunities.
Who Is This For
With the aim of showcasing and supporting new perspectives, the call is open to director-producer duos who are developing a fiction feature film project. Producers must have experience in the film industry, and the project must be the director’s first or second feature film.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Project requirements:
- Fiction feature film projects in development.
- Budget of up to US$ 1,500,000 (one million five hundred thousand US dollars).
- At least 25% of financing must be secured (include confirmed funding sources).
Director requirements:
- Must have been born in or be a resident (for a minimum of 3 years) of any Ibero-American country.
- Must have directed at least one (1) short film and up to one (1) fiction feature film, with at least one of these works having participated in an international film festival.
Producer requirements:
- Must have been born in or be a resident (for a minimum of 3 years) of the country where the presenting production company is based, which must be located in an Ibero-American country.
- Must have produced at least one (1) fiction feature film that has participated in an international film festival.
- May apply with more than one project, but may only participate with one.
- Must have an advanced level of English and Spanish.
Submission deadlines:
First Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 at 6:00 PM (UTC-3).Second Deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM (UTC-3).
About JIIFF Lab
- The lab will take place from January 28th to February 1st, 2026, in person in José Ignacio, Uruguay. There will be a prior online session.
- This is a fiction feature film development lab. It is designed for producers and directors to analyze and enhance their projects through consultations, mentorships with international film industry professionals, and networking spaces.
> Directors will receive one-on-one consultations and group mentorships with international experts focused on directing, screenwriting, editing, sound design, cinematography, audience design, and project pitching.
> Producers will also participate in consultations and group mentorships focused on co-production strategies, internationalization of projects, and networking opportunities with fellow participants and invited decision-makers in search of financing. - By applying, the duo (director + producer) agrees and commits to attending all JIIFF Lab activities in person as organized by the event.
- The program will conclude with a Pitching Session, where the duos will present their projects before a specially selected jury that will award various prizes.
This year, and for the second time, JIIFF will award the Pfeffer del Sur Fund, aimed at supporting the development of Ibero-American projects.
Other industry guests present at Working JIIFF will also attend the Pitching Session, offering opportunities to connect with potential partners.
In parallel, WORKING JIIFF will promote additional networking opportunities among attendees of JIIFF Lab, GENERACIÓN J, Uruguay HUB Audiovisual, and other spaces of the José Ignacio International Film Festival.
AWARDS
ABOUT THE MUSITELLI AWARD ABOUT THE PFEFFER DEL SUR FUND APPLICATION FORMConsiderations
The information provided in the application form will be used in official Working JIIFF communications and catalogs.
Application fee:
- US$ 20 (twenty US dollars) until October 31, 2025.
- US$ 30 (thirty US dollars) from November 1, 2025 until the call closes.
Applications will only be accepted through the official form and only within the stated deadlines.
Project selection will be carried out by the JIIFF Lab organization. If selected, and if deemed necessary, additional documentation may be requested.
The organization reserves the right to modify the number of selected projects if necessary.
Selected participants will receive accreditation, access to exclusive Working JIIFF and JIIFF events, as well as lodging and meals. Travel logistics will be managed in collaboration with participating Ibero-American countries.
By applying, the applicant accepts these regulations and commits to participating in JIIFF Lab in person if selected. Attendance must be confirmed within one week of receiving the notification email. Failure to confirm will result in the selection of another project.
Selected participants must include the JIIFF and JIIFF Lab / Working JIIFF logos, along with the text: “Selected | JIIFF Lab | Working JIIFF 2026” in future submissions of the project to other calls or once the film is completed.
For more information or questions, please contact: wjiiff@joseignaciofilmfestival.com
