OPEN CALL

Odesa IFF 24-Hour Challenge 

"A Whole Long Day Ahead"

August 28–29, 2026 · Kyiv, Ukraine

We're looking for 4 directors and 20 actors to take part in a two-day filmmaking lab in Kyiv this August.

The idea is simple: no professional gear, no big budgets — just a smartphone, a small team, and 24 hours to write, shoot, and edit a short film (up to 2 minutes) in response to one shared theme.

The lab is led by Piotr Bartuszek — a Polish casting director with over 90 films and series to his name, whose credits include Claire Denis's High Life, Marie Noelle's Maria Curie, Leave no Traces by Jan P. Matuszynski, Anna Jadowska's Woman on the Roof and Wild Roses, series Agent Hamilton, Families like Ours, Marie Antoinette, Furia and many others. Board Member of ICDA International Casting Directors Association, co-founder of the Polish Casting Directors Guild, member of the European Film Academy and Casting Society. You'll create in small groups under his guidance, pushing your creativity to its limits and discovering what you're capable of when the clock is ticking.

It's a rare chance to present yourself directly to international casting directors, make something creative in a pressure-free and playful setting, and walk away with new colleagues and connections in the industry.

The workshop is open to directing and acting students and graduates of theater and film schools, aged 18–25, as well as early-career film professionals.

All selected participants receive an OIFF industry badge and invitations to the festival's opening and closing ceremonies.

To apply, submit:

• A self-presentation video (max 2 minutes): who you are, your background, and why you want to take part

• Supporting materials: photos, portfolio, CV, or work samples

Application deadline: June 15, 2026

Selected participants will be notified by mid-July.

The working language of the workshop is English.