GREAT BARRINGTON, MA – DECEMBER 2, 2025 — Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) the Delegation of the European Union to the United States has selected BIFF as the inaugural U.S. festival partner for its newly launched Transatlantic Rising Stars Project. The initiative is designed to deepen cultural connections and spark creative collaboration between the EU and the United States. Today it opened its first call for EU film directors to apply for the 2026 cohort. The 20th festival of BIFF will run May 28-31, 2026 in the Berkshires in Massachusetts.
For the first time, the program will launch at BIFF, a recognition of the festival’s two decades and reputation for intimate and world-class programming, and its long-standing commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships between filmmakers and industry professionals. During BIFF’s milestone 20th edition, the selected directors will participate in the festival’s celebrated Filmmaker Summit and present their work in a dedicated EU Filmmakers Showcase.
Funded by the European Union, the Transatlantic Rising Stars Project, supports artists in film, visual arts, and music through immersive, on-the-ground experiences in the United States. Beginning in 2026, selected EU filmmakers will embark on a fully funded two-week exploration of the American film landscape between mid-May and early June.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, BIFF is stepping confidently into its next chapter. Our partnership with the Transatlantic Rising Stars Project not only elevates emerging voices, but it also reinforces the Berkshires as a vibrant crossroads for global storytelling. We’re honored to help open new doors for creative talent while marking a milestone year for the festival.” said Kelley Vickery, Founder and Artistic Director at BIFF.
“This program is a landmark moment — the first time the EU has created a program designed to bring European artists to the U.S.,” EU Ambassador to the U.S. Jovita Neliupšienė said. “American and European artists will be working side by side, creating new pieces that connect with local communities — all the way from Alaska to Massachusetts. I hope this program will create lasting friendships and networks that not only boost the artists’ careers but also help Americans and Europeans understand each other better.”
As BIFF enters its third decade, the partnership underscores the festival’s growing role on the international stage. Together with the European Union and U.S. based partners, the Transatlantic Rising Stars Project aims to elevate creative dialogue, broaden public engagement, and support the ongoing development of global artistic exchange. For participating EU filmmakers, the program provides rare access to the U.S. film industry through festival participation, masterclasses, networking with executives, and membership in an expanding cohort and alumni community dedicated to long-term creative collaboration.
Applications to apply are open from December 2, 2025, to January 16, 2026. The application portal is available on the EU Delegation to the United States website.
ABOUT THE BERKSHIRE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFFMA or “The BIFF”) is a world-class festival that is an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Berkshires. BIFF showcases not only the latest in independent feature, documentary, short, and family films but also lively panel discussions and special events focusing on filmmakers and talented artists from both sides of the camera. BIFF has shined the spotlight and honored stars in the industry including Mike Haley, Arthur Penn, Kevin Bacon, Patricia Clarkson, Douglas Trumbull, Bruce Dern, Christopher Plummer, Rachel Weisz, Martin Scorsese, Alfre Woodard, Stephen Lang, James Ivory and Brian Cox.
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ABOUT THE TRANSATLANTIC RISING STARS PROJECT
The Transatlantic Rising Stars Project (TRSP) is a three-year initiative funded by the European Union and led by the EU Delegation to the United States. TRSP connects European talent with American peers, local communities, and industry leaders, encouraging new artistic work and building lasting relationships. Each strand combines creative exploration with structured guidance, industry engagement, and public-facing opportunities. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between European and American creatives, TRSP contributes to a more connected transatlantic cultural space, offering American communities access to diverse European voices, ideas, and approaches to creative practice.
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