Production and Development Funding supports the creation of compelling, commercially viable, artistic and culturally relevant South African screen content. Development funding assists filmmakers in transforming ideas into production-ready projects through research, concept and script development, while production funding supports the creation of high-quality film and television content for local and international audiences. Together, these interventions contribute to industry growth, skills development, job creation, and the amplification of South African stories.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), is pleased to announce that the call for Cycle 1 funding applications for the 2026/2027 financial year is now open for the following categories:
Development Funding - Tier 1 and Tier 2
Production Funding - Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3
Post-Production and Archive Funding - Tier 1 and Tier 2
Each category is governed by specific eligibility criteria, sub-categories, and funding requirements as set out in the NFVF Funding Policy.
Individuals, companies, and organisations may submit funding applications to the NFVF for any of the open funding categories stated above. Specific conditions are applicable for each funding category, and it is important for applicants to take careful note of these conditions before submitting an application. The NFVF Funding Policy can be accessed here: https://www.nfvf.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NFVF-FUNDING-POLICY-2026.pdf
Opening date for submissions: 9 June 2026
Closing date for submissions: 6 July 2026 at 17h00.
Applications submitted by the 22nd of June will receive a PRIORITY compliance assessment, this means if your application is non-compliant, you will be timeously informed and have an opportunity to make corrections before the official closing date.
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Eligibility Exclusions:
Individuals and/or production companies with four (4) or more active NFVF-funded projects across the funding value chain, including Training, Development, Production, Post-Production, Marketing and Distribution, and Festival Funding Support.
Applicants with an active contract within the same funding category under which they are applying.
Student productions that are partially or fully owned by tertiary institutions.
Applications that do not comply with the eligibility requirements, documentation standards, or submission conditions outlined in the NFVF Funding Policy.
A comprehensive list of eligibility requirements, exclusions, and funding conditions is contained in the NFVF Funding Policy
Please take note of the following disclaimers:
Applicants must correctly identify their tier. Incorrect tier selection will result in disqualification.
Applicants must carefully read the definitions of sub-categories before submission.
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. (WITH A DATED STAMP NOT OLDER THAN 6 MONTHS FROM DATE OF APPLICATION)
Only valid documents will be allowed (DOCUMENTS THAT ARE NOT EXPIRED)
Valid Tax Clearance Status Pin document (issued within the last 12 months) is required upon submission. Tax Compliance Status will be verified on the SARS system. Non-compliance at the time of verification will result in automatic disqualification.
Applications which do not meet compliance will be disqualified.
Due to funding parameters a limited amount of applications will be awarded funding.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 filmmakers who do not receive favourable outcomes after the projects have been assessed will need to request feedback notes, these are not automatically issued due to the large volume of applications received.
Complete and accurate submissions are the onus of the applicant, do note that after the Priority Compliance date of the 22nd of June lapses, the NFVF staff will not notify applicants of incorrect and incomplete documentation, these will be disqualified.
No email applications will be accepted. If assistance is required this needs to be done in a timely fashion, at least 7 days before the closing date.
Number of project submissions will be limited to 2 per applicant/production company.
Tier breakdown:
Tier 1: Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and producing 3-5 theatrically released feature films.
Tier 2: Filmmakers with limited experience but who have developed and produced 1-2 theatrical feature films, television fiction, documentaries, 2-3 short films and/or commercials seeking to venture into feature film development and production.
Tier 3: New entrants into the industry, particularly recent film school graduates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. This intervention is geared towards first-time filmmakers having a calling card in the film industry. This tier is only eligible for short film funding.
Please note that no late applications will be accepted.
For any queries regarding technical issues with submissions please contact:
Thandekile Hlatshwayo
Applications Officer
Email: thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
OR
Manti Sekwakwa Mmalebati
Applications Officer
Email: mantis@nfvf.co.za
NFVF Telephone: 011 483 0880
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Production and Development Funding supports the creation of compelling, commercially viable, artistic and culturally relevant South African screen content. Development funding assists filmmakers in transforming ideas into production-ready projects through research, concept and script development, while production funding supports the creation of high-quality film and television content for local and international audiences. Together, these interventions contribute to industry growth, skills development, job creation, and the amplification of South African stories.
