The NFVF, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has released the call for applicants to submit for markets and festivals taking place from June 2026:1) Marketing and Distribution (Cycle 1 FY 2026/27)
2) Festival or Market Hosting (Cycle 1 FY 2026/27)
Opening date for submissions: 19 November 2025
Closing date for submissions: 16 January 2026
Individuals, companies, and organizations can submit funding applications to the NFVF for any of the funding categories mentioned above. Specific conditions apply to each funding category, and it is crucial for applicants to careful review these conditions before applying.
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Please take note of the following disclaimers:
Tier yourself accordingly.
Carefully read the definitions of the subcategories before selecting.
It is advisable that the main applicant applies instead of using a 3rd party to apply on their behalf.
Only recently certified documents will be accepted.
Only valid documents will be allowed (NOT EXPIRED)
Applications that do not meet compliance will be disqualified.
We do not take application documents after the closing date and time of the application.
Ensure that you click the submit button and receive the confirmation email for your application submission from the system, If the confirmation email is not received, it means that application did not go through. This should be communicated with the NFVF within the submission period, unfortunately the NFVF will not assist with this query after the closing date of the call.
Eligibility: Marketing and Distribution
Tier 1: Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and producing at least three successful and commercially viable Feature Films, TV Films, or Documentaries.
Tier 2: Filmmakers with limited experience, must have developed and produced; one or two Feature Films, TV Films or Documentaries, or two or three Short Films and/or Commercials.
Tier 3: Not applicable for Marketing and Distribution funding
Application Criteria:
Independent South African filmmakers and distributors.
Funding is available for feature films and TV formats, documentary feature length, animation feature film, short films, animation shorts, documentary short films, TV films (if without a broadcaster), web series; and
A project can only be funded once per financial year.
For projects requiring funding that have reached production or post-production stages (R500 000 cap): documentation and information required
A trailer or rough-cut or final product;
A synopsis, including detailed information about the format and genre;
A one- to two-page letter of motivation providing uniqueness of the film and any projected success prospects the film may potentially have;
A document detailing the proposed target audience including demographics and psychographics;
A distribution plan, detailing how and where the film will be distributed, including but not limited to: details of the broadcasters and streaming platforms, a timeline with release dates across platforms, territories, cities, theatres and screens, and documentation from any theatrical exhibitor that confirms an initial release date;
A signed letter of intent from the distributor;
A detailed sales, distribution and marketing strategy;
A detailed marketing plan and budget;
An audience development strategy;
A comprehensive distribution or exhibition plan;
Copies of any existing articles or clippings about the project;
A detailed timeline, showing the projected return on investment for the NFVF;
An updated CV for the applicant;
Detailed profiles or CVs of the key creatives;
A certified copy of the applicant's South African identity document (certified within six months of the date of application) or valid permit or proof of permanent resident status;
A company profile;
The company's registration document (if applying through a production company);
A bank account confirmation letter (dated within three months of the date of application);
A BBBEE certificate or the BBBEE affidavit, signed by a Commissioner of Oaths (if applying through a production company);
The company's Tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Compliance PIN document (if applying through a production company); and
Project chain of title.
For projects requiring funding that are in the development or pre-production stages (R250 000 cap): documentation and information required
A script, production schedule or pitch deck;
A synopsis, including detailed information about the format and genre;
A one- to two-page letter of motivation providing uniqueness of the film and any projected success prospects the film may potentially have;
A document detailing the proposed target audience including demographics and psychographics;
A distribution plan, detailing how and where the film will be distributed, including but not limited to: details of the broadcasters and streaming platforms, a timeline with release dates across platforms, territories, cities, theatres and screens, and documentation from any theatrical exhibitor that confirms an initial release date;
A signed letter of intent from the distributor;
A detailed sales, distribution and marketing strategy;
A detailed marketing plan and budget;
An audience development strategy;
A comprehensive distribution or exhibition plan;
Copies of any existing articles or clippings about the project;
A detailed timeline, showing the projected return on investment for the NFVF;
An updated CV for the applicant;
Detailed profiles or CVs of the key creatives;
A certified copy of the applicant's South African identity document (certified within six months of the date of application) or valid permit or proof of permanent resident stat
