Thuthuka Co-Development Fund
National Film and Video Foundation & Netherlands Film Fund: Thuthuka Co-Development
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the Netherlands Film Fund (NFF) have launched the Thuthuka Co-Development scheme, aimed at supporting cinematic projects that appeal to audiences in both countries and internationally. This fund provides script development grants for promising feature-length documentaries, live-action, or animated films.
Fund Details:
- Annual budget: up to €80,000, with NFVF matching €40,000 in ZAR, considering currency fluctuations.
- Support: maximum of 2 projects per year (1 South African, 1 Dutch), each receiving €40,000, including a maximum of €6,000 for the producer’s fee plus overhead.
- Funding covers script development, including individual coaching and workshop participation.
- Objective: produce a full script and pitch book to enable applications for production support. Note: receiving a Thuthuka grant does not guarantee future funding.
- Active participation in NFVF and NFF workshops is mandatory.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to established co-production teams based in South Africa and the Netherlands.
- Applicants must be citizens of the Netherlands or South Africa.
- Each project must involve an attached producer and writer from the other country.
- Projects must be feature-length (>80 minutes) and feasible within both funds’ criteria.
- Applications must be in English and signed by all partners.
Ineligible Projects Include:
- Live recordings, reality shows, teaching programs, docu-soaps, news reports, or tourism promotions.
- Pornographic, racist, or violent content.
- Promotional or institutional productions.
- Projects previously funded by Thuthuka for development.
Application Requirements:
- CVs of producers, writers, and director (if selected).
- Project motivation, vision, and co-production agreement or letter of commitment.
- Project summary (max 5 pages), treatment (max 15 pages), and script (if re-write).
- Development schedule (max 600 words) and budget.
- Certified ID copies, company registration, valid tax clearance, BBBEE certificate or affidavit.
- Track record of production companies.
Project Evaluation:
Projects are assessed by representatives from NFF and NFVF, focusing on creative value, viability, and audience appeal. The scheme encourages high-quality, diverse feature films and documentaries.
Timeline:
- Call Open: 2 September 2025
- Closing Date: 7 October 2025
- Project Announcement & First Workshops: Rotterdam, January 2026
Regulations & More Information:
The Thuthuka Co-Development Fund offers a unique opportunity for South African and Dutch filmmakers to collaborate, refine scripts, and take their projects closer to international audiences.
