frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul Film Station a project competition?
No, Istanbul Film Station is not a competition. It is a film project development center (project hub). Its main purpose is to bring project owners who want to develop their films and institutions and individuals such as producers, production companies and supporters together. It does not promise rewards to the participants, but it facilitates negotiations with contracted institutions to establish partnerships. Contracted institutions reserve the freedom to choose the projects they will partner with, support or award.
How can I apply, what are the terms?
To be a part of Lab Station with your project, you can view our application specificationdocument.
Is there a fee for applications?
Yes. Applying to Lab Station requires a symbolic fee equal to one movie ticket. Accreditation must also be purchased to participate in the Market Station event. Lab Station finalists do not need to purchase tickets for Market Station.
Istanbul Film Station is a platform that is based entirely on volunteerism and is implemented without the financial support of large companies and institutions. Therefore, to support the financial burden, we apply a symbolic application and accreditation fee.
What is the difference between Lab Station and Market Station.
Lab Station is the section where films in project go to find supporters. Market Station is a "networking area" that includes various panels and workshops, and purchasing a ticket is sufficient to participate.
Are only short film projects supported?
Although Lab Station is only open to short film projects in its first year (2024), it aims to include feature and documentary films in the upcoming years.
Can I apply with my feature film project?
Only short film projects can apply to Lab Station in 2024. You can follow the events in the coming years for your feature or documentary film project.
Are only fiction film projects supported?
There is no restriction in the 2024 edition of Lab Station other than the projects being short films. You can also apply with your fiction, experimental, documentary or animation short film projects.
I have an idea but I don't have a script, can I still apply?
To apply, at least the first draft of the script must be included in the project file. If you become one of our finalists, you can develop your script and finalize it with the support and training you receive.
Can I apply from abroad?
Applications can be made from abroad, provided that the applicant project owner is a citizen of the Republic of Turkey. However, participation in Istanbul Film Station face-to-face events is mandatory and the IFS team cannot cover the transportation and accommodation of the participants.
I don't have a producer, can I still apply?
Yes, projects without a producer can also apply to Lab Station. If they are finalists, they can find producers for their projects through Istanbul Film Station.
At what stage does our project need to be to apply?
Film projects can apply to Lab Station with at least the first draft of the script written. Having previously received support from a fund is not an obstacle for application.
I may not be able to attend some part of the Lab Station event, will this cause a problem?
All selected project owners are required to attend all the Lab Station events throughout the event period.
Lab Station instructors appear to be from abroad. Will we communicate through a translator?
Lab Station training and meetings will be held in English and Turkish. The IFS team will not assign translators to the participants. Therefore, you must be proficient in English or attend with a translator.
Will there be an online section for Lab Station and Market Station?
All events of Istanbul Film Station are physically designed. Additional online events will be organized for Lab Station participants.
Can I apply with more than one project?
How are the films funded?
Projects selected for Lab Station meet with supporting institutions and people in the field in line with their demands and present their projects to the interlocutors through one-to-one communication. Projects selected by supporting institutions and individuals are supported by these institutions and individuals in certain areas.
How can I be a supporter?
To be one of the sponsors of Istanbul Film Station and/or to support the projects applied in the coming years you can visit our contact page and reach out to us.