Invitation to Submit Proposals for Micro-Budget Film Projects 2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in collaboration with a distributor, is commissioning micro-budget fiction feature films from eligible South African filmmakers under two themes: 'Once Upon a Family' (family films, up to R6,000,000, 2 films) and 'Becoming' (coming-of-age films focused on youth, up to R4,500,000, 3 films). Projects must be production-ready with a final draft script, and selected filmmakers will receive production funding along with potential attachment of a supervising producer.
Deadline
30 January 2026
Verified 1 month ago
Cost
Free
Format
Feature Films
Eligibility
eligible South African filmmakers to submit proposals under the themes outlined below.
What You Get
Production funding of up to R6,000,000 per film for 'Once Upon a Family' (2 films commissioned) or up to R4,500,000 per film for 'Becoming' (3 films commissioned). A supervising producer may also be attached to the project if deemed appropriate. Distribution collaboration is implied through the unnamed distributor partner.
What to Submit
Project summary (max 5 pages) with synopsis, logline, genre, and target market; full final draft script; CVs of key creatives (Producer, Director, Writer, DOP, Editor, leading cast); Director's letter of intent; Producer's notes; Director's treatment (max 20 pages); detailed production budget and cash-flow schedule; production schedule; project status document (max 600 words); pitch deck; revenue strategy and sales projections; links to previous full films by director and producer. Administratively: valid Tax Clearance Pin, certified copy of ID (certified within last 6 months), company registration or SPV documents, valid B-BBEE Certificate, list of previous film/AV projects, chain-of-title documentation.
Insider Tips
- Ensure your project is fully production-ready with a final draft script before applying — incomplete or in-development projects will be disqualified. 2. Secure any supplementary funding above the budget cap before submitting, as proof of additional funding must be included at the time of application or the project will not be considered. 3. Make your links to previous full films accessible for at least 3 months, as showreels are not accepted and inaccessible links could weaken your application.
Set reminder: 16 January 2026 (2 weeks before deadline)
Applications are closed
This opportunity is no longer accepting applications. Browse open opportunities
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