connecting cottbus 2021

ended

Founded in 1999, connecting cottbus (coco) is an East West co-production market and a networking platform focusing on Eastern European feature film content during the FilmFestival Cottbus. We select 13 feature film projects in development and 6 works in progress / post-production. These are presented to a professional audience of experienced producers, buyers, commissioning editors, world sales and financiers. Projects must have a connection to Eastern Europe in subject or production context. coco is one of the longest-standing co-production markets, with a strong reputation as a centre of excellence for exchanging experience and knowledge about East-West feature film co-productions, and one of the main markets for cinematic content from Eastern Europe. More than the half of coco all projects went from pitch to circulation in 3½ years on average, and aprox. 60 % of these films premiered at an A-festival. The principal objective of connecting cottbus (coco) is to foster East-West co-production and enhance the network between European and international film professionals, with a specific focus on content from Eastern Europe, and emphasis on EU countries with low production capacity. coco enables participating professionals to meet and establish concrete working collaborations with some of the most compelling and internationally appealing projects in the region. A notable specificity of the region in focus is a shared socio-economical and political history, with adverse conditions for sustainable AV production and circulation on a backdrop of stark cultural differences between the countries. We support the creation of intensive bonds between them by continuous dialogue and inclusion during our event. We provide selected projects with visibility and access to the international market, which is particularly important for new talents. The 23rd edition of coco will take place online on 3-5 November 2021 in Cottbus, Germany.