How to Maximize Your EFM

By Pickle February 11, 2026

Whether you’re a producer, distributor, creative, or just passionate about the evolving world of film, the European Film Market 2026 is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and innovate. Here are twelve can’t-miss activities to make the most of your Berlin experience:

1. Explore the Archive Market

Dive into rare footage and archival treasures at the on-site Archive Market at Café Connect—perfect for documentary makers and history buffs alike.

2. Connect with the Next Big Thing at EFM Startups

Meet 12 trailblazing media startups, catch live demos, and network with innovators shaping the future of production, development, and distribution.

3. Attend Animation Days

Immerse yourself in curated pitching sessions, showcases, and networking for the booming world of animation, including cross-border collaborations.

4. Join Masterclasses by Industry Leaders

Learn from top minds like Alex Walton and Timo Argillander on financing, capital strategy, and rights management in exclusive, expert-led sessions.

5. Visit the Producers & Innovation Hub

Experience EFM Beyond, where producers collaborate with gaming and XR experts to transform projects into multi-platform IP universes.

6. Take Part in the Entertainment Finance Forum

Get the inside scoop on global capital trends, private equity, and the economic forces reshaping screen content.

7. Dive Into Fandom-Driven Marketing Sessions

Discover how TikTok, book adaptations, and creator collaborations are powering new waves of audience engagement.

8. Drop Into the Immersive Zone

Experiment with XR, VR, and the latest in virtual production—see how the cutting edge of storytelling is being prototyped.

9. Attend Case Study Workshops

Go behind the scenes of projects like The Last Whale Singer and The Amazing Maurice 2, and learn about real-time pipelines and new animation workflows.

10. Speed-Date with Partners at Networking Events

Join breakfast clubs, happy hours, and curated matchmaking to connect with new collaborators from film, games, and animation.

11. Check Out the Games to Screen Showcase

See how game IPs are becoming hot properties for film and TV adaptation—and meet the teams behind the cross-media hits.

12. Discover and Support Fresh Talent at Berlinale Talents

Engage with rising creatives, attend talks, and spot the talent that’s set to shape the industry’s next decade.