The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in collaboration with a distributor, is commissioning new micro-budget fiction feature films and invites eligible South African filmmakers to submit proposals under the themes outlined below.
Funding Themes
1. Once Upon a Family
Funding cap: R6 000 000 per film (2 films)
Eligibility: Tier 1 and Tier 2 filmmakers (must have completed at least one feature film that has been broadcast, streamed or theatrically released)
Genre: Family Films
“You’re dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.” — Walt Disney
Definition: Family films are appropriate and enjoyable for all ages, children and adults alike. They avoid intense violence or mature content, focus on positive and uplifting themes, and use humour and storytelling that audiences can enjoy together.
2. Becoming
Funding cap: R4 500 000 per film (3 films)
Eligibility: Tier 2 & 3 filmmakers (key creative team should consist of youth filmmakers: 35 years and under)
Genre: Coming-of-age films, centred on the youth of South Africa
“This generation is not waiting to be saved; they are learning how to survive, create, and lead.” – Unknown
Definition: A coming‑of‑age film explores the emotional, psychological, and moral growth of a protagonist as they transition from youth to adulthood, often shaped by pivotal life experiences.
Overview
The NFVF in collaboration with a distributor, invites proposals for micro‑budget feature films aimed at supporting emerging and established South African filmmakers. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for Tier 1, 2 & 3 filmmakers to produce culturally authentic, compelling, character‑driven films that showcase a distinctive creative vision.
All projects must be at the final stages of development and production‑ready. Please ensure that the films align to the given themes. Projects must be well‑contained and realistically executable within the approved budget caps. Filmmakers may supplement the budget with additional funding; however, this funding must be secured at the time of application with the necessary proof.
Definitions
Micro‑Budget Film – A motion picture produced within tight financial parameters, typically featuring a minimal cast, crew, and equipment.
Fiction – An audio‑visual production based on an imagined story, which may be inspired by real events.
Feature Film – A motion picture with a minimum runtime of 80 minutes and a maximum runtime of 120 minutes.
Tier 1 – Experienced filmmakers with a proven track record of developing and producing 3–5 theatrically released feature films.
Tier 2 – Filmmakers who have developed and produced 1–2 feature films, television fiction, documentaries, short films, or commercials and are advancing into feature film production.
Tier 3 – New entrants into the industry, particularly recent film school graduates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. Produced 1 -2 short films.
Budget Parameters
• Maximum production cap: R6 000 000 (Once Upon A Family) and R4 500 000 (Belonging).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Filmmakers must qualify as Tier 1 or Tier 2 (must have completed at least one feature film) under the Once Upon A Family theme.
• Filmmakers must qualify as Tier 2 or Tier 3 under the Belonging theme. A supervising producer will be attached to the project if deemed appropriate.
• Projects must be at final development stage with a final draft script.
• Applicants who have submitted the same project for PESP funding are not eligible to apply for this opportunity.
• Applicants with an active project currently in production are not eligible.
• Only fiction feature films will be considered.
• Applicants may submit only one application across both thematic streams
Creative Submission Requirements
Applications must include (the list below is not exhaustive):
• Project summary (maximum 5 pages), including synopsis, logline, genre, and target market.
• Full script (final draft).
• CVs of key creatives: Producer, Director, Writer, DOP, Editor, and leading cast. (Please note that an individual cannot occupy more than 2 roles within the production).
• Director’s letter of intent.
• Producer’s notes.
• Director’s treatment (maximum 20 pages).
• Detailed production budget and cash‑flow schedule.
• Production schedule.
• Project status document (maximum 600 words) outlining development stage and production needs.
• Pitch deck
• Revenue strategy and sales projections.
• Links to previous work by the director and producer (full films only; no showreels). (Please ensure that this is accessible for at least 3 months.
Administrative Requirements
• Valid Tax Clearance Pin
• Certified copy of ID (certified within the last 6 months).
• Company registration documents or SPV documentation (if applicable).
• Valid B‑BBEE Certificate.
• List of the company’s previous film or audio‑visual projects.
• Chain‑of‑title documentation (e.g. rights agreements or contracts).
Disqualification Criteria
Applications will not be considered if:
• Submitted after Friday, 30 January 2026 at 17:00.
• Eligibility or submission criteria are not met.
• A fully developed script is not included.
• The project has already received NFVF production funding (fiction, non-fiction and animation).
• The applicant is a current NFVF Slate beneficiary.
• The proposed budget exceeds R6 000 000 (Once Upon A Family)/R4 500 000 (Belonging) (Unless the filmmaker supplements the budget with additional funding; which must be secured at the time of application with the necessary proof or it won’t be considered).
• An excessive use of Artificial Intelligence.
The NFVF reserves the right to request additional documentation for assessment purposes.
Application Process
Applications open: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Applications close: Friday, 30 January 2026 at 17:00
Applicants are advised to submit before the closing date, as high traffic on the online system may result in technical difficulties
Online submissions:
https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Queries
Application queries:
Manti Mmalebati – mantis@nfvf.co.za
Thandekile Hlatshwayo – thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
Content queries :
Refiloe Hlabioa – refiloeh@nfvf.co.za