NFVF Micro-Budget Film Call – Frequently Asked Questions

The NFVF has compiled the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) to assist you in preparing your application. This document provides guidance on eligibility, creative requirements, funding, rights, and the application process.

This is intended to help you navigate the call efficiently and ensure your submission meets all requirements.

We encourage you to review each section thoroughly and reach out to the team provided if you have further questions.

[*Q denotes question, A denotes answer]

1. Application & Eligibility

• Q: What is a microbudget film?
  A: A micro-budget film is a feature-length motion picture intentionally designed to be produced with limited funds, within a short production timeframe, and using a contained creative approach. Projects must be realistically achievable, with modest production demands, a limited cast and crew, and efficient use of resources.
• Q: Can I apply as an individual?
  A: Unfortunately not. Applications must be submitted through a registered production company or special purpose vehicle (SPV) for this particular call.

• Q: Who can apply under the “Becoming” theme?
  A: The Becoming theme is youth-led, targeting Young Adult audiences. It is mandatory that these key creatives: Director, Producer, and Writer must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. Other crew members may be over 35.

If you do not meet this requirement, you may apply for the Cycle 1 Production and Development Call, which will open later in the year.

• Q: Can a production company submit multiple applications under the same theme?

A: Only one application can be submitted per theme.

• Q: Do projects need to strictly follow the listed themes?
• A: This is a theme-specific call. Projects must be narratively and creatively driven by one of the two approved themes — Once Upon a Family or Becoming. Projects that do not clearly align with and meaningfully engage these themes will not qualify for this call and will be disqualified from assessment.

• Q: Can a production company submit an application for each of the themes?
• A: Yes. The call allows for one application per theme, provided that the application meets the eligibility requirements for each. However, only one (01) project will be awarded production funding per production company, regardless of the number of applications submitted.

• Q: Can a Tier 3 filmmakers apply without a supervising producer attached?
  A: Yes. However, a supervising/senior producer will be assigned by the NFVF after approval.

• Q: Can one apply for post-production?

A: No.

• Q: Can one apply with a short film?

A: No.

• Q: Can a person occupy more than one role in the production?

A: Yes. An individual can occupy up to two roles on the project. However, the Producer and Director roles may not be held by the same person, in order to ensure appropriate checks and balances during production.

• Q: What counts as an “active project currently in production”?
  A: Any project where principal photography has commenced or for which NFVF funding has already been approved for production.

• Q: Can one apply if they have an active development funding project with the NFVF?

A: Yes, provided that they are applying with a different project.

• Q: Can one apply if they have completed a project in development with the NFVF that fits this call?

A: In the instance that your development process is concluded with the NFVF and your script fits well within the thematic strands, you are welcome to apply.

• Q: Can one make an allowance for development within the schedule?

A: Only limited provision may be made for a final polish of the script. Projects must be production-ready at the time of application, and no substantive development phase will be accommodated.

• Q: If a project was submitted to another NFVF call and rejected, can it be submitted here?

A: Yes. There are no restrictions on resubmitting previously rejected projects, provided they meet all current eligibility requirements. It is advisable to request for access to the feedback notes so that you can identify areas of improvement and implement before resubmitting.

• Q: How long does one have to roll out and deliver the project?

A: All projects must be completed and delivered within 18 months of approval.

• Q: Can an application be submitted if a director is still being secured for the project?

A: No. To submit an application, a director must be attached, as the submission requires a Director’s Letter of Intent and Director’s Treatment demonstrating their creative vision.

2. Project Requirements & Creative Content

• Q: What is the required runtime for the final film?

A: A feature film is defined as having a runtime of 80–120 minutes. However, for feasibility and execution purposes, the preferred runtime for projects under this call is 80–100 minutes.

• Q: Is a “Full Script (Final Draft)” mandatory?
  A: Yes. Applications must include a full script/screenplay. This ensures projects are production-ready. Projects submitted without a full script are ineligible for review.

• Q: Can the story include non-South African characters or story elements?

A: Yes, international characters or story elements are allowed, but the majority of the story and characters must be South African. This ensures that the project remains culturally authentic while allowing some international aspects.

• Q: Can filming take place outside South Africa?

A: No. All shooting must take place in South Africa, even for co-productions.

• Q: Can non-South Africans be part of the cast or crew?

A: For standard submissions, all key cast and crew must be South African. For co-productions, international cast or crew may be included, but South Africans must occupy the majority of key creative roles, and all filming must still take place in South Africa to ensure cultural authenticity and compliance with NFVF requirements.

Q: What is meant by a co-production under this call?

A: A co-production refers to a collaboration between two or more production companies on a single project. This may include local partnerships or collaboration with an international production company.

• Q: Is a completion bond required for micro-budget films, and who pays for it?
  A: Yes. A completion bond is mandatory once the project is approved and must be included in the budget allocation. This must be a line item that will be paid from the budget allocated.

Q: What is a Producer’s Note?

A: A Producer’s Note elaborates on the business and production aspects of the project, outlining the rationale for why the film should be made and why at this point in time. It addresses the thematic intent of the film without summarizing the plot, situates the project within its genre and the current film market, and references comparable works in terms of style and tone. The note identifies the intended target audience and explains the film’s relevance and appeal to that audience, while also considering its circulation potential across theatrical, festival, and digital platforms.

• Q: Are documentaries allowed?
  A: No. Only fiction feature films will be considered under this call.

• Q: Are animated or partially animated films eligible?
  A: Yes, but animations tend to have high production costs so applicants must ensure the proposed project is feasible within the budget and timelines.

• Q: Are films in languages other than English allowed?
  A: Yes. All South African languages are welcome.

• Q: Are stories inspired by real events allowed under “fiction”?

A: Yes. Filmmakers may base their stories on real events, but they must secure consent or life rights from any identifiable individuals, or from their families if the person is deceased, to ensure legal and ethical compliance.

• Q: What constitutes “excessive use of Artificial Intelligence”?
  A: Excessive AI means using AI to create the main story, visuals, or other key creative work without real human input or creative decision-making.

3. Funding & Financial Clarity

• Q: Is this funding a grant or recoupable funding?
  A: This is recoupable production funding, not a grant. The NFVF contribution must be recouped from the film’s revenues following the recoupment waterfall.

• Q: What proof of additional funding is acceptable?

A: Signed contracts or equity/funding agreements. Funding needs to be already secured at the time of application.

• Q: Are co-productions allowed under this call?
  A: Yes, with conditions:
• Majority ownership must remain South African
• Film must be shot in South Africa
• Funding must have already been secured at the time of application.
• Official co-production projects must have been certified as such by the NFVF and the Authority in the relevant country

• Q: Can one apply for additional funding after approval has been granted?

A: No.

4. Rights, Distribution & Broadcasting

• Q: Who is the distributor?
  A: The NFVF will collaborate with Indigenous Film Distribution, continuing an existing partnership to ensure timely delivery, quality control, and distribution planning.

• Q: Who owns the rights to the completed film?

A: 100% – Production Company / SPV (Where NFVF provides the full capital)

Where equity partners are attached, this will be negotiated during the contracting phase, but the applying producer will need to own the majority of the rights

• Q: Is the funding recoupable?

A: Yes. NFVF funding is recoupable. Recoupment follows a first-position recoupment of the full NFVF investment – non-negotiable. This funding will be reinvested into future projects.

Any deferred fees, deferred costs, and all back-end participation will only be recouped after the NFVF has fully recouped its investment.

Any third party that cash-flows the approved production funding may do so on the basis that the producer is liable to repay the cash-flowed amount with interest. No equity, ownership, or profit participation may be granted in exchange for cash-flow finance.

The distributor and/or sales agent cannot receive equity in the project, and their commission is capped at 15% for African sales across all platforms. The distributor will hold a first option on a worldwide streamer deal; however, all other rights remain with the producer.

• Q: What specific distribution rights does the distributor take under this initiative?

A: A defined term licence. 5 years with a first option to renew, excluding festivals.

• Q: Is there a broadcaster or streaming partner attached?
  A: No. Filmmakers work with the distributor to secure relevant platforms when the films are complete.

• Q: Are sales projections required in the application?

A: No. Sales projections are not mandatory and including them will not give an advantage in the assessment process.

5. Application & Technical Process

• Q: Can applicants edit or replace documents after submission?
  A: No. Only the submitted documents are considered.

• Q: Will late submissions due to system issues be considered?
  A: No. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid technical challenges.

6. Assessment, Selection & Timelines

• Q: How many projects will be approved overall?

A: Under the Once upon a Family theme, 2 (two) films will be approved.

Under the Becoming theme, 3 (three) films will be approved. In total 5 (five) films will be approved and will move into production.

• Q: Will shortlisted applicants be invited to pitch?
  A: Yes.

• Q: When is the deadline for submissions?

A: Monday, 2 February 2026, 17:00

The NFVF reserves the right to amend, update, or modify the call requirements, guidelines, and processes at any time, including during post-approval and contracting stages. Applicants should ensure that their submissions and agreements reflect the most current NFVF requirements.