The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce the opening of the call for the Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Program, also referred to as PESP 6, for films that are to be funded at scale and have the potential of achieving commercial “Blockbuster” success. This open call is made possible by The Presidency, through the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)’s implementation of PESP6.
The NFVF has been tasked by the DSAC to administer PESP 6, a government initiative designed to continue the reactivation of the sector on the right path as outlined in the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP) after the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The package aims to assist practitioners and companies with projects in their implementation stages to reach completion through financial support.
The NFVF implements the PESP across two programmes, Project 1 and Project 2. Project 1 refers to job creation through grant administration. Project 2 refers to job creation through an internship programme for the digitisation of archive materials. This open call refers to Project 1: Group 1, under Stream 1: –Films funded at scale which have the potential of achieving commercial “Blockbuster” success.
For the 2025/26 financial year, the DSAC has allocated R230 000 000 to ensure that the job creation target of 15 360 for the financial year is met. The breakdown of jobs is as follows:
Project 1, Stream 1: Group 2 (Production), Stream 2 (Skills Development) and Stream 3 (Marketing and Distribution) have a target of 11 360 jobs,
Project 1, Stream 1 Group 1 (Production) has a target of 4000 jobs.
The project allocation cost of R230 000 000.00 will be distributed as follows:
| Description | Budget Amount |
| A) Budget Breakdown: Project 1 | |
| Stream 1: Production (Including Development & Post-Production) (Group 1 – Blockbusters) | R 50 000 000.00 |
| Stream 1: Production (Including Post-Production) (Group 2 – Production-ready) | R 70 926 730.00 |
| Stream 1: Production – Group 1 and Group 2 | R 120 926 730.00 |
| Stream 2: Skills Development and Training | R 60 963 365.00 |
| Stream 3: Market and Film festivals | R 19 998 905.00 |
| PESP6 Project Appeals | R 5 000 000.00 |
| Administration fee | R 9 611 000.00 |
| SUB – TOTAL | R 216 500 000.00 |
| B) Digitisation: Project 2 | R 13 500 000.00 |
| TOTAL: | R 230 000 000.00 |
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- Since PESP is a special project, not all provisions of the NFVF funding policy will be applicable. Projects that can realistically be implemented between 01 August 2026 – 31 July 2027, within the specified budget will be considered.
- The cap per project is R10 million, where 5 projects will be funded.
- The ideal projects would be those capable of employing a minimum of one hundred (100) jobs for Feature Films & Documentaries and a minimum of fifty (50) jobs for Features/Series.
- It is crucial for applicants to secure supplementary funding, if their project requires it, BEFORE submitting their application for the PESP 6 program, as no additional time will be allocated for this process.
- Projects still in need of funding from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and its related incentive programme will not be considered.
- Applicants will be required to open a separate designated bank account for PESP6.
- Projects submitted for the various streams should prioritise employment opportunities for youth, women, people with disabilities and previously disadvantaged groups. Preference will be given to applicants who have not received funding for PESP 1, PESP 3, PESP 4 and PESP 5.
- PESP6 will accommodate appeals.
AUDIO-VISUAL BLOCKBUSTER OPEN CALL
STREAM1: PRODUCTION OPEN CALL – (GROUP 1)
- Projects Considered:
- A blockbuster is defined as a film that is a great commercial success in its domestic market. For this call, projects will have this potential to be blockbusters will be funded at scale based on the following:
- Theme: Heritage related projects. This call will focus on commercially viable projects which have the potential of becoming “blockbusters”. : These projects will be themed, “Legacy Through Narrative” where local filmmakers can spearhead telling our stories of our cultural icons and heritage, before Hollywood does. These projects can be produced as fiction, non-fiction documentaries/series and animation features/series Legacy Through Narrative films are heritage related projects which explore and celebrate historical and/or cultural icons, cultural traditions, customs or historical events which have contributed towards South Africa’s rich cultural identity. These films are geared towards highlighting the importance of preserving cultural identity, promoting cultural understanding, driving the appreciation of diverse cultures and enabling education and understanding of our rich cultural heritage as a means of encouraging social cohesion and national pride.
- This funding is available for production-ready Feature Films, Feature Documentaries, and 2 – 3 Part Documentaries, Feature Animation and Animation Series.
- Development funding can be budgeted for, provided that the development process is clearly articulated in the application where it will not impact the completion of the project within the stipulated timeframe.
- The applicant’s budget must include everything necessary to bring the project to completion within 12 months.
- Number of Jobs Considered and Timeframe: Features & Documentaries – Minimum of 100 jobs within a period of 12 months; Animation features/series – Minimum of 50 jobs within a period of 12 months
- A blockbuster is defined as a film that is a great commercial success in its domestic market. For this call, projects will have this potential to be blockbusters will be funded at scale based on the following:
- Implementation period: 01 August 2026 – 31 July 2027.
- Application Process
- Phase one: Online Application – Apply through the open call through Praxis, after which each project will be evaluated by the PESP6 appointed advisory panel members
- Phase two: Pitch Process – A special advisory panel, inclusive of highly experienced distributors, will be appointed to shortlist the projects and evaluate the projects through a pitching process, after which the final projects will be recommended and approved by the Council.
- Cap per project: R10 million
- Maximum Number Projects to Be Funded by the NFVF: 5
- Budget allocation: R50 000 000 of Stream 1’s Total R120 926 730.00
- Targeted jobs: 4000 jobs of PESP 1’s Total target of 9 160
- ELIGIBILITY
The PESP6 Stream 1will only be eligible for Tier 1 Filmmakers. Filmmakers are required to submit their CVs for verification of experience where they are to indicate their proven track record. The CVs should include contactable references.
- Tier 1 – Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and / or producing at least three successful and commercially viable feature films, series, TV films or documentaries.
DATES
- Opening date for submissions- Project 1 (Stream 1 Group 1): 01 October 2025 – 28 November 2025. – Applicants must register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Please note that failure to submit the key and compulsory documentation mentioned above will result in the application being incomplete and disqualified.
Applicants are also advised that providing false information or declarations will lead to the NFVF withdrawing funding.
All individuals employed by government departments, entities, municipalities and other services are not eligible to participate in the programme.
Late applications will not be accepted.
APPLICATION QUERIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO PESP@NFVF.CO.ZA, NOT APPLICATIONS@NFVF.CO.ZA