Funding for Cultural Film and Other Creative Audiovisual Media

Cultural film funding in Thuringia targets a wide range of applicants, including natural and legal persons, with the exception of certain broadcasting corporations. The funding aims to preserve and strengthen audiovisual media culture in the Free State, to present and further develop Thuringia as a media location, and to promote media education. Projects with a clear connection to Thuringia are preferentially supported.

The funding focuses on primarily non-commercial projects in the cultural film and audiovisual sector. This includes the development of project ideas, the production and post-production of media projects, their distribution and presentation, as well as media education projects and location-presenting events. The focus is on creative media creation and innovative technologies.

Cultural film funding in Thuringia is provided as a non-repayable grant. The funding amount varies depending on the measure, with the applicant's own contribution amounting to at least 30 percent of the eligible expenses. For certain measures, a funding rate of up to 70 percent is possible. The program is limited until the end of 2026.

Specific conditions apply to the funding, including the applicant's registered office or residence in Thuringia or a strong connection to the state. Projects must have secured overall financing and must not violate applicable laws or contain content harmful to minors. De minimis regulations and reporting obligations also apply.

The application procedure requires written submission via specific forms to the Thuringian State Chancellery, the responsible department of the state government. There are fixed deadlines for applications in the current and upcoming fiscal year. Applications are evaluated, partly by an expert advisory board, and the decision is made by a grant notification. After the project ends, proof of use must be submitted.

This funding program is based on the "Guideline for the Granting of Subsidies from Funds of the Free State of Thuringia for the Promotion of Cultural Film and Other Creative Audiovisual Media" of November 20, 2023. It is supplemented by the Thuringian State Budget Ordinance (ThürLHO) and the Thuringian Administrative Procedure Act (ThürVwVfG). Furthermore, specific EU regulations are decisive for aid.