Competition for proMOTION International Film Promotion Projects

The proMOTION program is a financial support initiative organized by the state institution "Ukrainian Institute" in cooperation with the European Cinema Support Fund "Eurimages". The main objective of the program is to support the international promotion of Ukrainian films abroad, contributing to the integration of Ukrainian cinema into the global cultural and industrial landscape.

Participation in the program offers Ukrainian filmmakers the opportunity to engage with world-leading film promotion practices, invite international experts, and secure foreign partners. As a result, the winning projects can significantly increase their visibility in the international market, which is crucial for successfully planning and executing festival or theatrical distribution outside of Ukraine.

Applications are open to legal entities of all ownership forms (production companies) and Sole Proprietors (FOP) officially registered in Ukraine.

Applicant Requirements and Limits:

• The applicant must hold property rights to the film project or have properly documented rights for its international promotion.
• A single company or Sole Proprietor may submit no more than 3 projects per year. If multiple projects from the same applicant win, they must have different directors and creative teams (with a maximum of 2 winning projects per applicant in a single selection call).

Film Requirements:

• Feature-length fiction, animated, or documentary films are accepted.
• Running time: 70 minutes or more.
• Stage of completion: final stage of production (rough cut or final cut available), ready for release planning.

Restrictions (Ineligible Applicants):

• Applicants undergoing bankruptcy proceedings or corporate liquidation/termination.
• Entities with outstanding tax or budget arrears.
• Companies and individuals subject to NSDC sanctions or having any ties to aggressor states (the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran).

The program provides non-repayable funding of up to EUR 8,000 per film project. Funds are disbursed in two stages based on a contract concluded with the Eurimages fund: 50% of the amount is paid as an advance upon signing the agreement, and the remaining 50% is released after project completion and approval of the reporting documentation.

Eligible Expenses:

• International press and media campaigns, press release preparation, red carpet event organization.
• Social media campaigns and digital marketing activities.
• Printing and distribution of marketing materials abroad.
• Marketing and promotional expenses directly related to theatrical distribution outside Ukraine.
• Translation, editing, and subtitling services.
• Production of DCP (Digital Cinema Package) copies and other required formats.

Ineligible Expenses:

• Transportation costs, accommodation, per diems, and meals.
• Any fees, bonuses, remunerations, as well as license and visa fees.
• Expenses related to direct film production and post-production.
• Organization of receptions, cocktail parties, and buffets.
• Services aimed exclusively at an audience inside Ukraine.
• VAT (if refundable), banking and exchange rate losses, company overhead costs, doubtful debts.

The program supports activities exclusively aimed at implementing international promotion projects for Ukrainian films abroad. This includes organizing and hosting world or international premieres at recognized film festivals, as well as preparing for commercial theatrical distribution in other countries.

• October 2 – November 1, 2026 (until 23:59): Application submission period.
• Within 10 working days after the deadline: Technical selection (checking applications for compliance with basic eligibility criteria).
• Until November 30, 2026: Deadline for submitting supplementary documents confirming international partnerships (e.g., an official festival invitation letter or distributor contract if pending at the time of initial application).
• No later than December 10, 2026: Official announcement of winning projects.
• January – April 2027: Implementation period for approved promotional campaigns.

1. Prepare a complete package of required documents in PDF format (main documents must be completed in English; statutory/registration documents in Ukrainian).
2. Sign the application form and other required files according to the organizer's instructions.
3. Send the complete application package to the official email address: promotion@ui.org.ua.
4. Make sure the email subject reads: proMOTION7: Competition Application (or proMOTION7: Конкурсна заявка).
5. If you are awaiting confirmation from a festival or distributor, state this in your application and send the confirmation letters by November 30, 2026.

The selection committee evaluates projects based on the following key criteria:

• Artistic quality of the submitted video material and its alignment with contemporary cinematography trends.
• Distribution potential of the film project in foreign markets.
• Integrity, justification, and feasibility of the proposed promotional strategy.
• Alignment of the budget with project goals (rationality of fund allocation and level of expense detail).
• The applicant's capacity to successfully implement the promotional campaign within the program's timeline.
• An advantage during evaluation is given to projects with an official invitation letter from an international film festival or a signed agreement with a foreign distributor, sales company, or PR agency.

• Completed application form (in PDF format, signed by the applicant).
• Scanned copies of legal ownership documents: contracts transferring property rights to the film or a valid co-production agreement.
• Extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, Individual Entrepreneurs, and Public Formations (EDR).
• Official statement certifying the absence of direct or indirect contacts with representatives of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, and Iran.
• International promotion strategy for the film (free-form document in English).
• Promotional budget with calculations in EUR.
• Working link to view the film (rough cut or final cut) with mandatory English subtitles.

To receive the final portion of the grant (50%), the winner must submit a detailed final report and supporting documentation proving the targeted use of funds and fulfillment of all contract terms with the Eurimages fund. In turn, the designated officer of the Ukrainian Institute prepares and publishes a summary report on the competition results within 20 working days following its conclusion.

• By submitting an application, the applicant assumes full responsibility for the accuracy, relevance, and completeness of all provided information in accordance with applicable law. In the event of false, concealed, or falsified data, the Ukrainian Institute reserves the unconditional right to reject the application at any stage of the competition or cancel selection results for that participant.
• Participation is strictly prohibited for legal entities and individuals subject to economic or other sanctions, as well as those having direct or indirect business contacts with aggressor states (the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, and the Islamic Republic of Iran). To confirm compliance, each applicant must provide a corresponding certificate in the document package.
• In case of selection, official funding is provided under a contract signed directly between the winner (applicant) and the European fund Eurimages. Submitting an application automatically constitutes official consent to the collection, processing, and use of personal data by the organizers for program administration purposes.