Circle Fiction Orbit Incubator 2026 Cohort: 5 Female-Led Feature Films Unveiled in Montenegro

The Circle Training Initiative, a program dedicated to women and gender-expansive filmmakers, has announced the five feature projects selected for its third Circle Fiction Orbit incubator event in Montenegro. Among the selected projects is Portuguese director and screenwriter Leonor Bettencourt Loureiro’s Por Este Arroios Acima, which examines the impact of rapid urban transformation on a community. The incubator, taking place this week, provides a crucial platform for underrepresented voices in the film industry, offering mentorship, networking, and development support. By spotlighting these projects, the initiative addresses the persistent gender gap in filmmaking and fosters diverse storytelling. The selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to refine their projects with industry experts, potentially leading to production and distribution deals. This year’s cohort reflects a broad range of perspectives and narratives, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity. As the film industry continues to evolve, programs like Circle Fiction Orbit are essential for nurturing talent and driving change. The future of cinema depends on such efforts to amplify voices that have long been marginalized.