NFVF × Netherlands Film Fund — Thuthuka Co-Development Fund (2026 Cycle)
Joint co-development fund from the NFVF and the Netherlands Film Fund (NFF) supporting SA–Netherlands feature documentary co-productions with high cinematographic quality. Up to 4 projects per year (2 SA, 2 NL). Call opened 2 Sep 2026. Workshops run in Rotterdam, January 2027.
Deadline
5 Oct 2026
Verified 3 days ago
Cost
Free
Format
Feature-length documentary films (minimum 60 minutes)
Eligibility
Established co-production teams based in both South Africa and the Netherlands. Applicants must be citizens of the respective countries. Must have an established producer, a scriptwriter/director, and a co-producer from the other country attached. Feature-length documentary only (>60 min). No applications without a co-producer and director from the other country. Applications in English, signed by all partners. Ineligible: projects previously funded by Thuthuka from both NFVF and NFF; companies or individuals currently in Thuthuka development; SA writer/director based in SA without a Dutch counterpart.
What You Get
€40,000 per project (including max €6,000 producer fee and overhead), matched by NFVF in ZAR equivalent. Includes individual script coaching, mandatory workshops, and a development pathway toward a full script, pitch book, and eligibility for production funding. Receiving a Thuthuka grant does not guarantee future production funding.
What to Submit
CVs of SA and Dutch producers + director · Motivation and vision statement · Co-production agreement or signed LOI from all parties · Project summary (5 pages max) · Treatment (15 pages max) · Development schedule outline (600 words max) · Development budget · Brief synopsis (5 pages max) · Certified ID copy (stamp not older than 6 months) · Company registration · Track record of both production companies · Valid Tax Clearance Certificate or PIN · BBBEE certificate or affidavit (not older than 1 year). NFVF contact: terrencek@nfvf.co.za. NFF contacts: I.Ronteltap@filmfonds.nl, E.Droog@filmfonds.nl.
Insider Tips
Projects are evaluated on creative value, viability, and proposed target audience — not just technical compliance. The scheme aims to grow diverse, high-quality SA–NL documentary co-productions, so demonstrable cinematic ambition and a credible international audience case are essential. Ineligible formats: live recordings, TV formats, news, tourist promos, making-ofs, docu-soaps.
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
Never miss a deadline like this
Weekly deadline alerts, new opportunities, and industry insights for African filmmakers.