JIIFF Lab 2026
Rules & Regulations
For fiction film producers and directors from Ibero-America
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 participation in networking opportunities to help bring their films to fruition.
JIIFF Lab will take place in person in José Ignacio, Uruguay, from January 27th to February 1st, 2026.
The JIIFF Lab’s team will select eight (8) projects from Ibero-America, represented by a total of sixteen (16) participants (8 director–producer duos). Among the selected projects, at least two (2) will be Uruguayan.
The selected duos will take part in a final pitching session, where a specially appointed jury will award prizes to support the continued development of the projects.
JIIFF Lab is held within the framework of the Working JIIFF Industry Program of the José Ignacio International Film Festival. Working JIIFF fosters connections between the regional and international film industries through training and networking opportunities.
WHO IT'S FOR
With the goal of highlighting and supporting new voices, the call is aimed at 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
The applying producer must ensure that the following requirements are met:
Project Requirements:
- Fiction feature film projects in the development stage.
- Budget must not exceed USD 1,500,000 (one million five hundred thousand US dollars).
- At least 25% of financing must be secured (confirmed sources must be included).
Director Requirements:
- Must be born in or have been a resident (for at least 3 years) of any Ibero-American country.
- Must have directed at least one (1) short film and no more than one (1) fiction feature film, with at least one of these having participated in an international film festival.
Producer Requirements:
- Must be born in or have been a resident (for at least 3 years) of the country where the submitting production company is based, which must be located in any Ibero-American country.
- Must have produced at least one (1) fiction feature film that has participated in an international film festival.
- May submit more than one project, but will only be selected with one.
- Must have an advanced level of both English and Spanish.
Submission Deadlines:
First Deadline: Friday, October 31st, 2025, at 18:00 (UTC-3).
Second Deadline: Friday, December 12th, 2025, at 18:00 (UTC-3).
HOW JIIFF Lab WILL WORK
- The lab will take place in person in José Ignacio, Uruguay, from January 28th to February 1st, 2026, with a preliminary online session held beforehand.
- It is a development lab for fiction feature film projects, designed for producers and directors to analyze and strengthen their projects through personalized consultations, mentoring by international film industry professionals, and dedicated networking opportunities.
Directors will receive individual consultations and group mentoring sessions with international experts focused on directing, screenwriting, editing, sound design, cinematography, audience design, and project presentation (pitching).
Producers will also take part in consultations and group sessions with experts specializing in co-production strategies and project internationalization, as well as networking activities with fellow participants and invited decision-makers to explore potential funding opportunities. - By applying, the director–producer duos agree to attend all JIIFF Lab activities in person and fully participate in the proposed schedule.
- The lab will conclude with a Pitching Session, where all selected teams will present their projects to a specially appointed jury. The jury will grant various awards to support the further development of the projects.
For the second time, JIIFF will award the Pfeffer del Sur Fund, a cinematic fund created to support the development of Ibero-American projects.
Musitelli, a technical services and film equipment solutions company, will award a $50,000 USD prize in filming equipment, to be used in Uruguay.
Colour, a post-production house specializing in image, will offer a $25,000 USD prize in post-production services.
In addition to the jury, other industry members present at Working JIIFF will attend the Pitching Session to learn about the selected projects and potentially become future partners.
Simultaneously, Working JIIFF will foster networking spaces among participants of JIIFF Lab, GENERACIÓN J, Uruguay Audiovisual HUB, and other areas of the José Ignacio International Film Festival.
AWARDS
ABOUT MUSITELLI AWARD ABOUT THE PFEFFER DEL SUR FUND APPLICATION FORMADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
The information provided in the application form will be used in official communications and catalogs of Working JIIFF.
Application fee:
- USD $20 for submissions made until October 31, 2025
- USD $30 for submissions made between November 1 and December 12, 2025 (final deadline)
Applications are only accepted via the official form. Only projects submitted within the official call period will be considered.
Project selection will be carried out by the JIIFF Lab organization team. If selected, and if deemed necessary, the organization may request additional documentation. The organization also reserves the right to adjust the number of selected projects if necessary.
Selected participants will receive:
- Accreditation to the event
- Access to exclusive events at Working JIIFF and JIIFF
- Accommodation and meals during the lab
- Travel support through partnerships with Ibero-American countries
By applying, applicants agree to these terms and commit to attending JIIFF Lab in person if selected. Confirmation of attendance must be sent within one week of receiving the selection notification by email. Failure to confirm within this period may result in the selection of another project.
Credit requirement: Selected participants must include the JIIFF and JIIFF Lab / Working JIIFF logos and the text:
“Selección JIIFF Lab | Working JIIFF 2026”
in any future submissions to other labs or festivals, and in the final version of the film.
For more information or inquiries, please contact: wjiiff@joseignaciofilmfestival.com
