Cultural Film Funding: Apply for Development Funding for Feature-Length Documentary Films

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Who is Funded: Target Groups and Geographic Focus

The funding primarily targets experienced documentary film directors who wish to develop a new, artistically outstanding cinema project. A mandatory prerequisite is cooperation with a production company. The program focuses on film projects with a significant German cultural imprint, intended for public screening in cinemas in Germany.

What is Funded: Project Types and Costs

The program supports the project development of feature-length documentary films of outstanding artistic quality and particular cinematic relevance. Thematically challenging projects with an innovative approach are funded to create a production-ready description. Eligible costs include fees for authors and rights acquisition, up to teasers and dramaturgical consultation.

Type and Scope of Funding

The project development funding for documentary films is granted as a non-repayable grant and can amount to up to EUR 20,000 per project. The funding is provided as project funding by way of partial financing. There are no fixed deadlines, as applications must be submitted before the start of the project, however, the program was valid until 31.12.2024.

Conditions and Requirements

Specific legal and administrative requirements apply to the application for project development funding. These include deadlines for application submission before project start and for proof of use, obligations to provide evidence regarding a production company, compliance with European state aid provisions (GBER), and general conditions for all funding areas of cultural film funding, such as the German cultural imprint of film projects and the exclusion of anti-constitutional content.

Application Procedure: Process and Selection

The application for project development funding must be submitted in writing and by email to the BKM before the project begins. The selection of funded projects is carried out by independent juries, who assess the artistic quality and compliance with funding objectives. The funding decision will be communicated to applicants in writing, and the processing will be handled by the Filmförderungsanstalt.

Legal Basis

Cultural film funding, including project development funding for documentary films, is based on the BKM's Guideline for Cultural Film Funding dated January 01, 2024. This guideline defines the objectives, subject of funding, as well as general conditions and European legal provisions that govern the allocation of funds.