Film Funding by the Film and Media Foundation North Rhine-Westphalia

The film funding provided by the Film and Media Foundation North Rhine-Westphalia targets companies and freelancers based in North Rhine-Westphalia or the Federal Republic of Germany, who are active in film and media culture or the media industry. The aim is to enhance the cultural quality and economic viability of German cinema, as well as to strengthen NRW as a media location.

The program supports a wide range of film and media projects, from idea generation, production, and post-production to distribution and presentation. Radio plays and innovative audiovisual content are also eligible for funding, with a focus on strengthening North Rhine-Westphalia as a media location.

The Film and Media Foundation NRW awards funding as grants or loans. The funding amount varies depending on the project and can range between 30% and 80% of the proven costs, with specific maximum limits for individual funding areas. There are also regulations for loan repayment and cumulation with other funding.

To receive film funding, certain conditions must be met, including proof of total financing, adherence to ecological standards, and transparent acknowledgment of the funding. Compliance with EU state aid rules, particularly the GBER and De minimis Regulation, is also mandatory.

The application procedure at the Film and Media Foundation North Rhine-Westphalia requires timely and complete submission of documents using the forms provided by the Foundation. The Foundation makes decisions on applications based on the submitted information and with the involvement of relevant committees.

Film funding by the Film and Media Foundation NRW is based on the "Funding Guidelines of Film and Media Foundation NRW GmbH," which came into effect on January 1, 2024. These guidelines regulate financial aid in accordance with European state aid law, particularly the GBER and the De minimis Regulation.