The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites eligible Indigenous South African Filmmakers to apply for selection as an Indigenous Cinema Alliance Fellow, presented as part of South Africa’s designation as the European Film Market’s Country in Focus in 2027. The programme will take place in Berlin, Germany, from 10 to 16 February 2027.
- Background:
South Africa has been selected as the Country in Focus at the European Film Market (EFM) 2027.
This recognition provides a significant platform to showcase South Africa’s diverse storytelling, creative talent, production capacity and potential for international collaboration. The Country in Focus programme will connect South African filmmakers, projects and production companies with international producers, financiers, buyers, sales agents, distributors, broadcasters, streamers and other industry decisionmakers.
As part of South Africa’s participation in the Indigenous Cinema Alliance Fellowship, the final participant selection will be made by the Indigenous Cinema Alliance and representatives of the European Film Market.
2. About the Indigenous Cinema Alliance (ICA) Fellowship:
Founded in 2015 as the NATIVe Indigenous Cinema Stand through an official partnership with the European Film Market (EFM) at the Berlinale, the Indigenous Cinema Alliance (ICA) originally operated as a dedicated market platform showcasing market-ready features by Indigenous artists from around the world.
Managed by imagineNATIVE, the alliance was established alongside core founding organisational partners including the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI), Māoriland Film Festival, and the team that later established Winda Film Festival. Today, these foundational partners continue to lead the collective alongside a growing international network of film festivals, commissions, and national institutes.
Transitioning in 2024 from an annual EFM stand into a year-round alliance, the ICA functions as a dedicated international promotional agency for Indigenous-led screen content and talent worldwide.
The ICA helps indigenous creators navigate international distribution pathways, sales opportunities, and cross-border co-productions.
The ICA Fellows Programme has been a core pillar of the alliance’s professional development work, bringing a curated roster of international Indigenous producers to major industry markets with market-ready, Indigenous-led projects across features, episodic series, shorts, animation, and VR/immersive media.
The work is guided by four key pillars:
- Raise Awareness: Promote Indigenous cinema and elevate market-ready screen content on the global stage.
- Culturally Safe Space: Facilitate business, networking, and executive decision-making environments tailored for Indigenous professionals.
- Sales & Co-Productions: Foster relationships with international sales agents, buyers, and distributors, while catalysing co-production opportunities across Indigenous nations.
- Advocacy & Representation: Champion Indigenous voices across major international film festivals, trade markets, industry platforms, and global talent initiatives.
As part of the ICA Fellows program, these indigenous filmmakers will participate in specialized training sessions, networking events, and panels at the European Film Market (EFM).
3. Who May Apply
Applications are open to indigenous South African filmmakers.
The applying filmmaker must have a history of and/or be in production with a film that promotes indigenous culture.
The applying filmmaker must be authorised to represent the submitted project.
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be an indigenous director, producer or co-producer attached to a South African production company.
- Hold, or be able to demonstrate access to, the rights and authority required to present and negotiate the submitted project.
- Have a project that echoes the four pillars of the ICA.
Only one indigenous representative per production company may apply.
More information about past ICA Fellows here: Fellows — Indigenous Cinema Alliance
4. Eligible Formats and Project Stages
Indigenous-led projects across features (live action and documentary), episodic series, shorts, animation, and VR/immersive media.
5. Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application containing the following:
5.1 CV
5.2 Cover Letter
The cover letter should detail the applicant’s career stage, current projects and goals for the program. Producers do not need to bring a specific ‘market-ready’ project, but they should be working on one or several projects in various stages of production. The applicant needs to clearly state their role in the proposed project.
5.3 Proposed Project Outline
The narrative outline for the proposed project should not exceed 3 pages. The outline should clarify which indigenous identity is being explored and what part of that culture the film focuses on.
5.4 Company Profile
A brief company profile outlining:
The company’s background and ownership.
Management structure.
Areas of specialisation.
Production experience.
A certified copy of your South African ID. Or permanent residence permit or recognised refugee documentation (Stamp no older than 6 months at time of submission)
Company registration documentation.
Valid BEE Certificate
Company Tax Status Pin Document
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
6. Conditions of Participation
By applying, applicants acknowledge that:
- selection does not constitute an award of development, production, post-production or distribution funding;
- selection does not guarantee meetings, financing, co-production, sales, distribution or any other commercial outcome;
- selected producers must attend all compulsory scheduled programme activities;
- any material change to the producer, production company, project, key creative team, rights position, budget, finance plan or project status must be disclosed promptly to the NFVF; and
- failure to participate fully, supply accurate information or comply with programme requirements may result in withdrawal of selection or support.
7. Selection Process
The selected applicant/s will be nominated by the Indigenous Cinema Alliance, but their final acceptance is still subject to approval by the EFM (European Film Market) Toolbox team.
8. Important Notice
The NFVF reserves the right to:
- Verify all information and supporting documentation submitted.
- Request additional information or clarification.
- The submission of false, misleading or unverifiable information may result in the application being disqualified or the applicant’s selection being withdrawn.
- Application Details:
Applications must be submitted by email to:
Queries may be sent by email to:
The email subject line (for queries and applications) must read:
ICA FELLOWSHIP 2027 – [APPLICANT’S FULL NAME]
All application documents must be clearly named and submitted in the format stipulated by the NFVF.
Receipt of an application does not constitute confirmation of eligibility or selection.
Opening date: 7 October 2026
Closing date: 12 October 2026 at 17:00
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants who have not received written notification by 10 November 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, the NFVF will not provide individual assessment notes or feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
About NFVF
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, was mandated to ensure the equitable growth of the South African film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing and distribution of films and also the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.
About the Berlinale:
The Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale, is one of the world’s leading film festivals and industry events. Its professional platforms include the European Film Market and the Berlinale Co-Production Market, which connect filmmakers and projects with international producers, financiers, sales agents, distributors, broadcasters and other industry decision-makers.
South Africa has been selected as the European Film Market’s Country in Focus for 2027, providing a dedicated platform to showcase South African talent, projects, production companies and co-production opportunities to the international film industry.