Taking place in Berlin as part of the 76th Berlinale, the European Film Market (EFM) 2026 once again set the pace for the global film and content industry at the start of the year. This year’s market closed with a 5% increase in participants and a clear expansion in its overall programme.

As Turkish Film Commission, we were on the ground in Berlin, meeting face-to-face with international producers, sales companies, platform representatives and co-production stakeholders to discuss filming opportunities in Türkiye, permits, and production planning.

Key EFM 2026 highlights

• 12,500+ industry professionals attended EFM venues.

• The U.S. presence remained strong, ranking as the largest group after Germany (followed by France, the UK and Italy).

• 606 films were screened during the market, with an impressive 83%+ market premiere rate.

• 1,794 buyers attended, reinforcing EFM’s importance for distributors worldwide.

• A 20% increase in screening-guest scans was reported on the very first day — momentum was high from the outset.

Why Türkiye stood out

Across our meetings, one message was consistent: producers are no longer looking for “nice locations” first — they are looking for budget advantage, speed and predictability. Türkiye stands out because it can deliver all three in one package.

Less talk, more value: Türkiye’s competitive package

Up to 30% Film Incentive
For eligible projects, Türkiye offers up to 30% film incentive (cash rebate) on qualifying spend. For large-scale productions, this is one of the most decisive factors that accelerates a “Türkiye decision.”

Up to ~20% VAT refund effect (where applicable)
On the tax side, when structured correctly and within eligible categories, a VAT refund effect approaching the ~20% range can create a significant impact on the overall production budget.

Note: Eligibility depends on project type, spend category, invoicing structure and the applicable official process. The most accurate assessment is done based on the project budget and spending plan.

A four-season country: multiple worlds in one production plan

Türkiye offers the ability to build multiple cinematic worlds within a single production plan:

• Cappadocia: unique geology, “other-planet” visuals

• Antalya: Mediterranean light, resort/city/mountain in one region

• The Aegean: turquoise bays, coastal towns, natural sets

• Istanbul: historic texture and modern metropolis in the same day

• Eastern Anatolia: high plateaus, snow, dramatic topography

• The Black Sea region: deep green landscapes, misty atmosphere, highlands-to-coast contrast

Result: less travel, fewer lost shoot days, a clearer schedule — direct cost and risk management for major productions.

Film tourism: Türkiye’s story continues after wrap

Every production shot in Türkiye is more than production — it creates a destination narrative. The locations seen on screen spark curiosity and drive travel interest. Türkiye is not only a set — it’s a route.

A critical next step: production-friendly hotels will rise

As major productions grow, accommodation infrastructure becomes a key differentiator. We see production-friendly hotels moving to the forefront, because the success of a shoot often starts with hotel operations.

What will distinguish production-friendly hotels:

• Flexible check-in / check-out and long-stay operations

• Early breakfast / late service / 24-hour readiness aligned with real call times

• Block bookings and room management for crews (floor/wing planning, rapid changes)

• Production office / meeting rooms, high-speed internet, printing

• Secure storage for equipment (cases/flight cases, DIT needs)

• Loading and parking access (shuttle, vans, vehicles flow)

• Privacy and security protocols (VIP cast, media, crowds)

• Laundry and daily services adapted to production pace

Hotels that meet these standards don’t just provide accommodation — they become part of the production ecosystem and move into preferred partner status for large-scale projects.

Conclusion

EFM Berlin 2026 confirmed a clear reality: Türkiye’s strength is not only location — it’s economy, system and execution. With up to 30% film incentive, a VAT refund effect in the ~20% range (where applicable), four-season production flexibility, long-term value through film tourism, and a rising focus on production-friendly hotel infrastructure, Türkiye is moving into an even stronger position for major productions.

Contact

For filming in Türkiye — including permits, official coordination, location consulting, feasibility and on-the-ground production support:

Turkish Film Commission — Book a Meeting
https://turkishfilmcommission.org/book-a-meeting/