The event is initiated by the CED – MEDIA Office Croatia (Martina Petrovic – Head of Office), and co-organised by the Creative Europe MEDIA Offices in Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, and Serbia. It is also recognised and supported by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, Film Centre of Montenegro, Film Center Serbia and Organisation for European Programmes and Cultural Relations in Cyprus.

Martina Petrovic (Head of Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Croatia) – statement:

 

“This year we received a record number of 47 applications from six countries — a clear sign that creative voices from the Western Balkans are ready to be heard, seen, and supported. 'Series Rough Pitch – The Balkan Way' has grown beyond a pitching event; it has become a space of trust, healing, and creative exchange. By giving the floor to emerging voices from the region, we help nurture a sense of belonging and openness within our industry. These stories remind us that creativity can be both a tool for expression and a form of healing — an opportunity to transform experiences into connection, empathy, and hope. Each edition reminds us that when storytellers feel seen and supported, they don’t just share their stories — they transform the way we see the region and each other.”

 

Before stepping into the public pitch, participants took part in an online preparation workshop (October 20–25) guided by Valeria Richter and Helene Granqvist.

Valeria Richter (screenwriter) & Helene Granqvist (producer) – selectors & tutors –joint statement:

 

“The Series Rough Pitch – The Balkan Way is a very special occasion for us as pitch coaches because it always confirms for us that there are so many important, exciting, and urgent stories from across this region. It is a privilege for us to coach the participants and journey into their stories during our intense week together. This year there are many stories that reveal hidden truths and conflicts underneath pretty surfaces, whether they are revealed through fresh crime series projects, through an unusual chess event thrill, by exploring challenging stories of women, who break the norms, or in a queer modern-day take on the need to reflect on our inner-city lives, these stories seek themes of transformation, of healing and understanding. The storytellers all fearlessly dig in deep and have strong motivations for telling their stories — highlighting that storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, reflect, and move forward.”

 

The call was open to participants coming from 6 countries: Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, and Serbia. In the end, out of a total of 47 received projects, 8 were selected and in the following order:

CROATIA – 'Suspicious Circumstances'

Daria Stilin — creator,

Danijel Pek — producer (Antitalent),

Frank Spotnitz — producer (Big Light Productions, UK)

GREECE – 'Athena Tsunami'

Vasiliki Lazaridou — writer, director

SERBIA – 'The Second'

Darko Lungulov — writer, director

MONTENEGRO – 'Riders of the Mist'

Ana Vujadinović Tomić — writer,

Marko Jaćimović — producer (Giggling Goat Production)

CROATIA – 'Uncarved'

Mile Božičević — screenwriter,

Andri Óttarsen — producer (Glassriver, Iceland)

HUNGARY – 'Forsaken'

Fruzsina Fekete — screenwriter

CYPRUS – 'Killing Isle'

Harry Ayiotis — creator, writer, director

CROATIA – 'You Can Always Come Back'

Tena Gojić — creator,

Miljenka Čogelja — producer (Pipser)

 

The jury members are as it follows:

 

Anna Rohde (International Creative Executive / Beta Group Content & Coproduction), 

Roosa Toivonen (Co - Head / TV Beats Forum), 

Coline Garbage (Co-Pro Pitching Sessions & IP Market Project Manager / Series Mania Forum), 

Wade Channell (CEO / Damn Fool Productions), 

Filson Ali (WIFT Sweden Board Member),

Dina Rubanovitš (Director Strategy and Business Development / Erich Pommer Institut.

 

The Best Pitch Award (€5,000), the WIFTI Peace Prize (€3,000) awarded on behalf of Damn Fool Productions, a Co-Development Award and Letter of Intent from Beta Group Content & Coproduction, an EPI Scholarship for advanced professional training, a Special Mention from the mentors, and accreditations for Series Mania Forum and TV Beats Forum 2026.

 

Before stepping into the public pitch, participants took part in an online preparation workshop (October 20–25) guided by Valeria Richter and Helene Granqvist.

 

The event will be live streamed on 30/10/2025 starting at 12 (CET) via the official Youtube channel CED – MEDIA Office Croatia as well respective Facebook pages of the CED – MEDIA Offices involved in the co-organisation of the event.

Martina Petrovic,

Head of Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Croatia.