Queering the Pitch 2025


 

MIX’s Queering the Pitch competition is back!

The aim of Queering the Pitch is to encourage both aspiring and established Danish filmmakers to create queer cinema that will push and explore what queer filmmaking means.  The competition is open to short fiction, documentary, or web series pilots that have relevant LGBTQ+ themes and subject matter. We invite everyone with a relevant idea or script to submit them for consideration.

The winning project is awarded:

  • A monetary prize of 5,000 DKK (sponsored by Filmværksted København) to cover production costs

  • 25,000 DKK worth of film equipment rental (sponsored by Storyline Studios)

  • A guaranteed spot in the Nordic Lights short film program that will be screened in MIX Copenhagen 2026

  • Mentorship from Mathias Broe, an established Danish filmmaker with extensive experience in the film industry.

The competition consists of two stages:

  1. Written applications are submitted and a shortlist will be selected for further consideration.

  2. Shortlisted applicants will have an opportunity to pitch their project live to a jury of renowned professionals and an audience. The winner will be selected after the live pitching session on October 26th, 2025.

Terms and Conditions


 

Timeframes

  • Applications open: 01 July 2025  

  • Applications close: 15 October 2025 at 20:00 (CEST).

  • Live pitching by finalists: 26 October 2025 at 12:00 (CEST). 

  • Winner submits final script, timeline, etc.: 01 January 2026

  • 5 days of filming occurs: January-April 2026

  • Post production: May 2026

  • Draft film submission: 31 May 2026

  • Final film cut submitted: 1 July 2026

Submission Requirements

Every submission must address the following:

  • Project type (fiction/documentary/web series or pilot)

  • Brief project description (max. 300 words)

  • Motivation (max. 300 words)

  • Script draft, treatment, or outline (max. 15 pages)

  • Project length (under 20 minutes)

  • The project MUST have LGBTQ+ representation.

  • Budget draft (If the overall budget is greater than DKK 5,000, evidence of where the additional funds will be secured is to be provided)

  • Timeline of production

Submission Recommendations

It is not mandatory, but recommended that each submission includes:

  • Moodboard (aid selection committee to get a better understanding of project)

  • List of crew members (Director, Producer, Screenwriter, DoP, etc.)

  • Applicants must warrant that they own or are licensed to use all materials (script, music, photography etc) 

  • Applicants must warrant that they agree to the terms and conditions contained in this document.

  • CV (Describing previous film experience, if any. Links to screeners of previous work, if available.)

Evaluation Process

All eligible projects will be assessed by an in-house panel and up to six finalists will be selected to proceed to the pitch competition session. Finalists will be provided with an opportunity to pitch their project to the jury at the competition. The winner will be announced on the day. 

Pitches of up to 10 minutes may include audio-visual presentation. There will be a Q&A session with the jury following the presentation for up to 5 minutes. Drafted budget and production information will have already been submitted separately as well. The timeframe is strictly adhered to, and presenters will be stopped at the expiration of their time.

Assessment Criteria

  • Relevance of story to a queer audience

  • Relevance to a Nordic audience

  • Strength and diversity of your creative team

  • Timelines and production planning

  • Budget and project objectives

  • Quality of story idea

Resubmissions

No resubmissions can be made to the Queering the Pitch development fund for projects that MIX CPH rejects. MIX CPH may invite applicants to resubmit after additional project development has taken place.

Jury 

The panel will consist of the following experienced professionals:

  • Tone Ottilie, film director/screenwriter

  • Mathias Broe, film director 

  • Melanie Dastmalchi, film producer  

  • MIX CPH member (TBA)

Judges will be given access to all materials submitted prior to the pitch competition.

Funding

In addition to coverage of the production up to DKK 5,000, the awards includes additional non-cash items such as filmmaking support, camera or editing software if supplied by sponsors.

The successful project will be required to provide additional production documentation before receiving the funds. The funds may be disbursed incrementally as the project evolves and progression reports are provided to the mentor. MIX CPH may be able to organise additional assistance or provide an industry mentor if the filmmakers have particular gaps in skills or highlight the need for help.


MIX CPH expects that monthly progression reports would include an update on the following:

  • A final draft of script

  • Bios of all key cast and crew and other creatives

  • Shooting schedule

  • Post-production schedule

  • Detailed budget planning

  • Evidence of invoices paid or requiring payment

Obligations to MIX Copenhagen

  • MIX CPH must have first rights on the Danish premiere if requested.

  • MIX CPH logo and participating sponsor (Storyline Studios and Filmværksted København) logo to feature in credits.

  • Recipients of funding must act in compliance with any statutory or regulatory conditions applicable to the project.

  • Applicants must keep MIX CPH apprised of any significant changes to the project.

  • Courtesy consultation during final edit stages.

  • Copies of the final edit are provided in the formats requested by MIX CPH.

  • EPK including production stills & posters for publicity/ archive purposes.



General Information

The information in these Terms and Conditions can change. MIX CPH reserves the right to review the pitch competition and change its policies, procedures and assessment criteria.

The application form does not necessarily cover all the information MIX CPH will need to assess which applications to support. MIX CPH reserves the right to ask applicants for additional information.

All applications are made at the applicant’s own risk. MIX CPH will not be liable for loss, damage or costs arising directly or indirectly from:

  1. The application process.

  2. MIX CPH’s decision not to provide an award to an applicant; and or dealing with the application.

 

It is important that applicants check the information given in the application form carefully. MIX CPH may withhold or reclaim funds in the following circumstances:

  1. If the application was filed dishonestly or with incorrect or misleading information about the organisation or the project, whether deliberately or accidentally.

  2. If during the term of the agreement the awardee acts dishonestly or negligently to the disadvantage of the project. MIX CPH will follow up cases of suspected fraud and will pursue the matter legally.

These Terms and conditions are valid for the duration of the Queering the Pitch 2025 cycle.

Involvement in the competition is dependent upon a completed application form and agreement to terms and conditions.

Complaints and Appeals

MIX CPH’s decision is final. Formal appeals against the final decision will not be considered unless the applicant has good cause to believe that the procedures for processing the applications were not adhered to or applied in such a way as to prejudice the outcome of the application.