In the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic and lockdown, the organisation supported by the National Arts Council (NAC) administered the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme aimed to assist practitioners and their projects as well as companies that incurred losses (actual and planned/existing, new and those that were at concept stage) during the period.

National Treasury had entrusted a total of R140 million to the NFVF which it administered according to 4 streams including.

• Stream 1: Production
• Stream 2: Skills Development
• Stream 3: Industry
• Stream 4: Business Recovery

Currently the organisation is monitoring the implementation of the successful projects which were awarded March/April 2021.

To date:

• A total of R105 million has been paid out to a total of 213 beneficiaries.
• A total of 7, 668, 00 projected jobs in the audio-visual industry will be created through the grant.

The following streams received these payments:

• Stream 1: A Total of R59 million has been paid to 132 beneficiaries.
• Stream 2: A Total of R22 million has been paid to 44 beneficiaries.
• Stream 3: A total of R13 million has been paid to 26 beneficiaries.

For queries and appeal processes: 

E-mail Applications@nfvf.co.za or call 011 483 0880.

For queries regarding the monitoring and evaluation process:

E-mail Terrencek@nfvf.co.za or call 011 483 0880.

What funding does the NFVF provide for films?
The NFVF funds full length and short form fiction and documentary films either in script development or in production.

What kind of film projects does the NFVF fund?
The NFVF funds documentaries in development and production, feature films in development and production, short films in development and production and TV concepts for development and TV pilots.

Does the NFVF have a cap on funding?

• For films In Development we fund feature films to a maximum of R200 000, documentaries a maximum of R100 000, short films to a maximum of R100 000 and TV concepts to a maximum of R200 000.
• For films In Production we fund feature films to a maximum of R1 200 000, documentaries to a maximum of R200 000, short films to a maximum of R200 000 and TV pilots to a maximum of R200 000.

How can I get funding for my film from the NFVF?
Download an application form; follow the submission guidelines and post, courier or hand deliver four copies of the application to the NFVF offices.

What opportunities does the NFVF offer for first time filmmakers?
In addition to the general funding which is open to first time filmmakers, the NFVF runs the annual First Time Filmmaker programme.

Who may apply for an NFVF national bursary
Matriculants who want to pursue film/TV related to study for a degree or a diploma as full time students at an accredited tertiary institution.

When do I apply?
Application season opens from 02 June till end of August each year. Late applications are not accepted.

What does the bursary cover?
The bursary covers tuition fees only, 100% is paid for first years, and 80% from second year onward.

Is the bursary automatically approved until I graduate?
No, beneficiaries still need to re-apply each year within the deadline dates and have passed their year.

Do I need to repay the bursary after graduation or work for the NFVF?
No, this is a grant. However, the student is required to pass all their first semester subjects to be funded for the entire year.

Does age affect my chances of being awarded an NFVF bursary?
No, the NFVF does not have a policy regarding the age of applicants.

Who may apply for an NFVF international bursary?
Applicant must be registered for a full-tim postgraduate degree in film/TV related study at an overseas accredited tertiary institution for a programme not currently offered in any South African university.

When do I apply?
Applicant must submit entire application at least six months before commencement of the course.

What does the bursary cover?
The maximum funding is R250 000 towards tuition and living costs.

Is the bursary automatically approved until I graduate?
No, beneficiaries still need to re-apply each year within the deadline dates and should have passed their year.

Do I need to repay the bursary after graduation?
No, this is a grant. However, the student is required to pass all their first semester subjects to be funded for the entire year.

Do I need to work for the NFVF upon graduation?
Graduates are not required to work for the NFVF upon graduation however, graduates are expected to give back to the industry upon their return and partner with the NFVF from time-to-time on projects that address skills transfer.

Does age affect my chances of being awarded an NFVF bursary?
No, the NFVF does not have a policy regarding the age of applicants.

Who qualifies to attend this programme?
Script writers and script editors wanting to write feature films as a career.

How long is the course?
The programme is 5 months long; workshops are conducted once a month over a Saturday and Sunday.

How are applications evaluated?

• Feature film projects must appeal to the local and international market
• The writer must have the potential to conceptualise and write high concept feature film scripts or unique art house stories.

How do I apply?
By completing an application form supported by the relevant documentation.

When do I apply? 
Application dates are published on the NFVF website and newsletter with reminders sent out closer to the dates.

What does it cost?
The programme is fully funded by the NFVF and books and accommodations may be covered for out of province participants

Do we get certificates?
No, participants are provided with an assessment report after completion of the programme.

How do I progress to the next level after successfully completing Spark?
You may apply to the Sediba Masters Programme and fulfil its selection criteria.

Who qualifies to attend this programme?
This programme trains script writers and script editors wanting to write feature films as a career.

How long is the course?
One year with workshops held once a month over a Saturday and Sunday.

When do I apply?
The NFVF publishes a call for proposals quarterly on the website and dates are available on the website.

What does it cost?
The programme is fully funded by the NFVF and books and accommodations may be covered for out of province participants.

Do we get certificates?
No, participants are provided with an assessment report after completion of the programme.

Who qualifies to attend this programme?
This programme is intended for documentary filmmakers who have a concept  to learn how to write and package their proposals for potential funders and broadcasters.

How long is the course?
Four months; workshops which are held once a month over a Saturday and Sunday.

When do I apply?
Applications are received only during the time when the NFVF is open for applications for the programme.

What does it cost?
The programme is fully funded by the NFVF. Books and accommodation may be provided for out of province participants.

Do we get certificates?
No, participants are provided with an assessment report after completion of the programme.

Who qualifies to attend this programme?
Producers; emerging and experienced; who have completed a feature film script that is most likely to have international appeal.

How long is the course?
Participants are required to attend three, 3-day workshops over an eight month period.

What does it cost?
Emerging Producers pay R1500 and Experienced Producers pay R5000.

Do we get certificates?
No; mentors provide feedback on participant’s project throughout the programme.

What funding does the NFVF provide for the marketing and distribution of films?
The NFVF has a fund administered by the Marketing Department for marketing and distribution of films, market and festival travel and festival assistance.

Who qualifies for distribution funding?
South African independent filmmakers and independent local distributors who have a complete film or TV product.

When can I apply for festival travel funding?
You need to apply at least six weeks before the festival or market because the evaluation process takes at least three week.