Bangladesh’s film industry has reached a significant and historic milestone on the international stage. For the first time, Bangladesh is participating in the EFM Toolbox Programme 2026, organized by the European Film Market (EFM)—one of the world’s most influential film industry and trade platforms—held under the globally renowned Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).

Through this participation, the International Academy of Film and Media (IAFM) has been recognized as Bangladesh’s first institution to become an international partner of the EFM Toolbox Programme. At the same time, Mihir Masiyur Rahman has been selected as the first Bangladeshi participant in the programme through IAFM’s nomination. This marks a landmark achievement in Bangladesh’s film history, reinforcing the country’s institutional presence and credibility in international co-production.

Mihir Masiyur Rahman is an award-winning hybrid artist and filmmaker who bridges South Asia and Europe through experimental cinema, animation, and sustainable production practices within documentary storytelling. With over eight years of experience, his work reflects cultural depth through a poetic visual language. He received the Best Experimental Film Award in Munich (2024) and participated in the Asian Art Biennale (2010). His films have screened at the Boundless Film Festival (UK) and Munich Music Video Festival (2024), while his exhibitions include the Lahore Digital Art Biennale (2021), Poznań Mediation Art Biennale (2018), the First Dhaka Art Summit (2012), and a group exhibition curated by the Bangladesh National Museum (2016). He is also a recipient of the Best Poster Design Award (Dhaka, 2007).

About the European Film Market (EFM)

The European Film Market (EFM) is one of the world’s leading film industry platforms, held annually as part of Berlinale. It brings together filmmakers, producers, distributors, sales agents, and other industry professionals from around the globe, while actively promoting equity, access, and diversity within the international film industry.

What is the EFM Toolbox Programme?

The EFM Toolbox Programme is a nomination-based, immersive market-readiness initiative designed to support entry- and mid-level producers from underrepresented and emerging regions worldwide. Tailored for creators from the Global South and marginalized communities, the programme offers targeted mentorship, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities to help participants build a sustainable professional framework within the international film market.

Key Features:

• Targeted mentorship and practical workshops
• Live pitching sessions with direct feedback from international film industry and market professionals
• A strong community platform for knowledge exchange and industry networking

Why the EFM Toolbox Programme Matters

Bangladesh’s inclusion in this programme:

• Strengthens the country’s position as an emerging co-production hub in South Asia
• Highlights Bangladesh as a nation progressing toward internationally benchmarked producer practices
• Positions Bangladesh as a responsible and credible partner in the global film industry

The Significance of Bangladesh’s Entry into the International Film Market

The EFM Toolbox Programme is not open for public applications; participation is possible only through nomination by recognized international partner institutions. In this context, IAFM’s recognition and Bangladesh’s inclusion represent a clear endorsement of the country’s institutional credibility and trust within the international film market.

This marks a major step toward moving Bangladesh’s film industry beyond individual-centric initiatives and toward an institutional, long-term, and sustainable international co-production framework.

EFM Toolbox Programme Structure

Mentorship
Each participant is paired with a dedicated international industry expert who provides continuous guidance before, during, and after the market, ensuring long-term professional development.

Market Intelligence Includes:

• Global sales and distribution strategies
• Audience design and development
• Festival strategies
• International market positioning
• Access and industry integration

Direct Access To:

• European Film Market professional platforms
• Berlinale’s international professional community
• International co-production networks
• Global financing and distribution systems

Programme Phases

Phase One: Online Mentorship (8–10 hours)

• International co-production
• Global sales and distribution strategies
• Legal and contractual frameworks
• Market positioning
• Professional pitching techniques

Phase Two: European Film Market, Berlin
Dates: 12–18 February 2026

• On-site participation in Berlin, including:
  • Professional matchmaking sessions
  • Networking with producers, sales agents, distributors, and international funders
  • Direct access to the Berlinale Co-Production Market
  • Community building within the global film community
  • Full EFM Market Badge privileges

Strategic Impact for Bangladesh

Partnership in the EFM Toolbox Programme will have multi-dimensional and long-term impacts on Bangladesh’s film industry, including:

• Transition from individual-led initiatives to an institutional co-production framework
• Development of a strong, internationally benchmarked producer culture
• Improvement of local film market infrastructure
• Expanded access to international financing
• Entry into global distribution networks
• Long-term and sustainable growth of the film industry

Through this initiative, Bangladesh is positioning itself as a promising and emerging international co-production hub in South Asia.