The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites eligible South African producers to apply for an opportunity to attend the European Film Market and participate in the Berlinale Co-Production Market Visitors Programme 2027, taking place in Berlin, Germany, from 10 to 16 February 2027.
Important Eligibility Threshold
This opportunity is specifically intended for producers who have produced one completed feature film and at least one completed short film in a substantive producing capacity. The feature film must have been formally released or distributed through a recognised cinema, broadcaster or streaming platform, or officially selected for and screened at a leading Tier 1 film festival.
Applicants who have not yet produced a completed feature film, or who have produced more than one completed feature film, will not be eligible. Applicants who do not meet this threshold should not apply.
- 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 decision-makers.
As part of South Africa’s participation as Country in Focus, the NFVF will support ten South African producers to participate in the Berlinale Co-Production Market Visitors Programme.
2. About the Berlinale Co-Production Market: Visitors Programme
The Berlinale Co-Production Market is a key industry platform held as part of the European Film Market. It brings together producers, financiers, sales agents, distributors, broadcasters, funding bodies and other film professionals from around the world.
The Visitors Programme is intended for producers who have established production experience in their local film industries but are not yet internationally experienced. It provides an introduction to the international co-production environment and enables producers to strengthen their knowledge, networks and readiness to pursue international partnerships.
Professional activities include:
- Industry Sessions: Focused discussions on co-productions, financing, and distribution strategies in the global film market.
- Film Market: Networking and business opportunities with international film professionals.
- Masterclasses: Exclusive sessions with industry leaders designed to provide in-depth knowledge on international co-productions.
- Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with producers, financiers, and other film industry professionals from around the world.
3. Brief:
The NFVF will select ten South African producers to attend the European Film Market and participate in the Berlinale Co-Production Market Visitors Programme.
The opportunity is intended for producers who have established credible producing experience within the South African film industry but have not yet served as lead producers on completed official international co-productions.
Applicants must have a current or upcoming feature film project with identifiable international co-production potential. They must demonstrate how participation in the programme will support the advancement of the project, their production company and their professional development.
The NFVF will seek to support a nationally representative cohort. Provincial representation, will therefore be prioritised as part of the final selection.
4. Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident with valid supporting documentation.
- Apply through a South African-registered production company.
- Be the lead producer or a formally attached producer of the project submitted with the application.
- Have produced one completed feature film and at least one completed short film in a producing capacity.
- Provide verifiable evidence of their producing role on the completed feature film and short film(s).
- Demonstrate that the completed feature film has been formally released or distributed through a recognised cinema, broadcaster, streaming platform, or officially selected and screened at a leading tier 1 film festival such as Cannes, Venice, Berlinale, TIFF, Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Locarno, San Sebastián, Busan, Karlovy Vary, Tokyo, Shanghai, Tallinn Black Nights, Annecy, Hot Docs, IDFA, FESPACO, DIFF, Encounters, Silwerskerm, CTIAF or Joburg Film Festival.
- Have a current or upcoming feature film project with identifiable international co-production potential.
- Hold the rights or necessary authority to represent and negotiate the submitted project.
- Be in good standing with the NFVF and compliant with all obligations relating to current and previous NFVF funding.
5. Exclusions/Ineligibility:
Applicants will not be eligible if they:
- Do not meet the required experience threshold of one completed feature film and at least one completed short film.
- Have produced more than one completed feature film.
- Have previously served as a producer on a completed international co-production.
- Have previously received NFVF support to participate in the Berlinale Co-Production Market Visitors Programme.
- Are not in good standing with the NFVF.
- Submit a late or incomplete application
6. Required Documents:
6.1 A one-page letter of motivation outlining why you should be selected to attend the Berlinale Co-Production Market 2026 and how this opportunity will benefit your career.
6. 2 A project pitch deck or description of no more than three pages for a current or upcoming feature film with identifiable international co-production potential. The pitch must include but not be limited to:
Project title;
Production company and the applicant’s role in the project;
Format, genre and estimated duration;
Logline and synopsis;
Current stage of development, such as script development, pre-production or production;
Development or production progress achieved to date;
Finance secured and outstanding, where applicable;
Identifiable international co-production potential;
Target countries, territories or partners, where already identified; and
The specific co-production support sought, including financing, creative or production partners, sales, distribution, market access or production expertise.
6. 3 Producer’s CV:
A current producer’s CV and filmography detailing the applicant’s relevant production experience.
The CV and filmography must clearly identify:
The release, broadcast, distribution or festival history of each production.
The applicant’s role on each production.
The title, format and year of each production.
The relevant production company.
The director and key production partners, where applicable.
6. 4 Evidence of Completed Productions
Applicants must submit verifiable evidence of the completed feature film and at least one completed short film.
Supporting evidence may include:
- Screen credits confirming the applicant’s producing role.
- Distribution or licensing agreements.
- Confirmation from a broadcaster or recognised streaming platform.
- Cinema release information.
- Festival selection letters or official festival listings.
- Other independently verifiable documentation.
The submitted evidence must demonstrate that the feature film was completed and formally released or distributed.
Viewing links, trailers, teasers and showreels will not be accepted as evidence of formal release.
6. 5 Company Profile:
A brief company profile outlining the company’s background, ownership, management structure, areas of specialisation, production experience, completed productions, current slate and future development focus.
Producer must Hold the rights or necessary authority to represent and negotiate the submitted project.
6. 6 Provincial Representation
- Provincial representation will be based on the producer’s province of ordinary residence.
- Proof of the applicant’s residential address, not older than three months, clearly reflecting the province, municipality and town or city in which the applicant resides.
6.7 A certified copy of your South African ID or permanent residence permit. (Stamp no older than 6 months at time of submission)
6. 8 Company registration documentation.
7. 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.
8. Important Notice
- The NFVF reserves the right to:
- The submission of false, misleading or unverifiable information may result in the application being disqualified or the applicant’s selection being withdrawn.
- Verify all information and supporting documentation submitted.
- Request additional information or clarification.
- Select fewer than ten applicants should the required standard not be met.
9. Application Details:
Applications must be submitted by email to:
Lerato Hlatshwayo Leratoh@nfvf.co.za
The email subject line must read:
VISITORS PROGRAMME 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: 16 September 2026
Closing date: 2 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.