28 September 2026, Johannesburg – The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) tasked with administering the Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6) for the audiovisual sector, is pleased to announce the release of the funding approvals for the PESP 6 Stream 1 – Production (Group 1), referred to as “Blockbusters” funding stream.
The NFVF is pleased to announce the approval of funding for Blockbusters, which supports high-value, commercially viable feature films, feature documentaries and animation projects under the theme “Legacy Through Narrative.”
Five projects have been approved for funding:
- The Sideline – Mannequin Films – Gauteng: A three-part feature documentary on René Naylor, South Africa’s pioneering Springbok physiotherapist, positioned for release around the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
- Amanzi Olwandle – Across the Kei – Local Motion Pictures (Pty) Ltd – Western Cape: A character-driven, true-story coming-of-age feature rooted in Xhosa culture and set on the Transkei coast.
- GAZA: A Xitsonga Disco Music Story – Nefertiti Media Services (Pty) Ltd – North West: A three-part musical documentary-drama exploring the Xitsonga disco tradition and the life and contribution of leading exponent Joe Shirimani.
- Katzenellenbogen – Both Worlds Pictures – Western Cape: A fresh, broadly appealing feature comedy from the producers of Recipes for Love and Murder Seasons 1 and 2.
- Baby – Big Crunch Media – KwaZulu-Natal: A female-led feature based on the true story of the first woman of colour to ride the Wall of Death, set in 1950s South Africa.
These productions are expected to create a minimum of 100 jobs per feature film and documentary project, and 50 jobs for animation projects, within a period of 12 months.
PESP 6 received record number of applications
Overall, PESP 6 attracted 1,787 funding applications across the Blockbuster group and Streams 1, 2 and 3, representing the highest number of applications received since the inception of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
The Blockbuster group, aimed at supporting tier-one filmmakers and projects, attracted 179 applications, of which 113 were compliant. The compliant applications requested a combined R1.07 billion, against an allocated budget of R50 million.
As with the other PESP 6 funding streams, the Stream 1 (Group 1) Production – Blockbuster applications underwent a rigorous assessment process, including due diligence.
A total of 40 projects were shortlisted and pitched to the Blockbuster Advisory Panel from 3 to 7 August 2026. Following the assessment process, the Advisory Panel’s shortlisting meetings were held from 24 to 31 August 2026, resulting in 10 projects being referred for due diligence.
The due diligence process, which included physical site visits to the respective compliant applicants’ sites, was conducted from 8 to 11 September 2026.
Having considered the pitch evaluations, due diligence findings, geographic and transformation profile of the applicant group, as well as the available budget, the nine-member Blockbuster Advisory Panel, comprising industry experts with experience in feature film producing, writing, directing, marketing and distribution, recommended five projects to the NFVF Council for final approval.
The five approved projects have a combined funding value of R49,997,491.00, against the allocated budget of R50 million. The projects are expected to create 936 verified jobs, representing an increase of 103% against the 460 jobs initially proposed by the recommended projects.
Increased industry participation
The significant increase in applications and projected job creation reflects the NFVF’s efforts to raise awareness of the programme across the audiovisual sector through multiple platforms, including NFVF digital platforms, social media and broadcast media.
The staggered design of the PESP 6 calls, which included the introduction of the Blockbuster funding group, also contributed to increased participation and enabled the programme to reach a broader range of industry participants.
The NFVF Acting Head of Operations, Ms Lerato Mokopanele, said: “This announcement brings with it a level of excitement and patriotic pride, as the five selected projects showcase the depth of South African filmmaking talent and the richness of stories that can be told from our country. The level of commitment and detailed nuance demonstrated across these projects gives us confidence in their potential to reach audiences locally and internationally. The NFVF is grateful to the Blockbuster Advisory Panel and the due diligence team from PMC for their dedication and commitment in taking this first-of-its-kind PESP funding stream through a rigorous assessment process. We also extend our sincere appreciation to South African filmmakers for their patience and continued engagement with the NFVF throughout this process.”
The production of the approved PESP 6 Blockbuster projects will commence following the conclusion of the contracting and implementation processes and will continue over the next 12 months.
Ends.
For media requests, contact:
Lerato Mokopanele
Acting Head of Operations
National Film and Video Foundation
leratom@nfvf.co.za
011 483 0881
About the NFVF: The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is a statutory body mandated to promote and develop the South African film and video industry. It provides funding for film projects, facilitates training and skills development, and promotes South African content locally and internationally. The NFVF aims to create a sustainable and globally competitive industry that reflects the diverse stories and voices of South Africa.
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