Invitation to Submit Proposals for Micro-Budget Film Projects 2026

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in collaboration with a distributor, has officially opened a call for proposals for micro-budget fiction feature films for 2026. This commissioning initiative aims to support Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 South African filmmakers by enabling the production of culturally authentic, character-driven stories with a strong creative vision.

Filmmakers are invited to submit production-ready projects aligned with one of the two funding themes outlined below. All projects must be at the final stage of development, realistically executable within the approved budget caps.

Funding Themes

1. Once Upon a Family

• Funding Cap: R6,000,000 per film (2 films)
• Eligibility: Tier 1 and Tier 2 filmmakers
• Genre: Family Films

Family films should be suitable and enjoyable for both children and adults, avoiding intense violence or mature content. These stories must promote uplifting themes, humour, and shared viewing experiences.

“You’re dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.”

— Walt Disney

2. Becoming

• Funding Cap: R4,500,000 per film (3 films)
• Eligibility: Tier 2 and Tier 3 filmmakers
• Genre: Coming-of-Age Films
• Focus: Youth-centred stories from South Africa

Projects under this theme should explore the emotional, psychological, and moral growth of young protagonists as they transition into adulthood.

“This generation is not waiting to be saved; they are learning how to survive, create, and lead.” — Unknown

Programme Overview

This initiative creates opportunities for both emerging and established filmmakers to produce micro-budget fiction feature films that are distinctive, well-contained, and financially realistic. While applicants may supplement the budget with additional funding, such funds must be fully secured at the time of application, with proof provided.

Key Definitions

• Micro-Budget Film: A feature produced within tight financial limits, using minimal cast, crew, and equipment.
• Fiction Feature Film: An imagined narrative with a runtime between 80 and 120 minutes.
• Tier 1: Filmmakers with 3–5 theatrically released feature films.
• Tier 2: Filmmakers with 1–2 feature films or equivalent professional credits.
• Tier 3: New industry entrants, often recent graduates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, with 1–2 short films.

Eligibility Criteria

• Once Upon a Family: Tier 1 or Tier 2 filmmakers (at least one completed feature film).
• Becoming: Tier 2 or Tier 3 filmmakers (a supervising producer may be attached).
• Only fiction feature films will be considered.
• Applicants may submit one project only across both themes.
• Projects submitted for PESP funding, currently in production, or already funded by the NFVF are not eligible.

Creative Submission Requirements

Applications must include, but are not limited to:

• Project summary (max 5 pages: synopsis, logline, genre, target market)
• Final draft script
• CVs of key creatives (no individual may occupy more than two roles)
• Director’s letter of intent and treatment (max 20 pages)
• Producer’s notes
• Detailed budget, cash-flow, and production schedule
• Pitch deck
• Revenue strategy and sales projections
• Links to previous full-length work by the director and producer

Administrative Requirements

• Valid Tax Clearance Pin
• Certified ID copy (within 6 months)
• Company or SPV registration documents
• Valid B-BBEE certificate
• Chain-of-title documentation

Disqualification Criteria

Applications will be disqualified if:

• Submitted after Friday, 30 January 2026 at 17:00
• A full script is not included
• The budget exceeds the approved cap without secured top-up funding
• The applicant is a current NFVF Slate beneficiary
• There is excessive use of Artificial Intelligence

Application Process

• Applications Open: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
• Applications Close: Friday, 30 January 2026 at 17:00
• Online Submissions: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early due to potential high traffic on the system.

Queries

• Application Queries:
  • Manti Mmalebati – mantis@nfvf.co.za
  • Thandekile Hlatshwayo – thandekileh@nfvf.co.za
• Content Queries:
  • Refiloe Hlabioa – refiloeh@nfvf.co.za

This call represents a significant opportunity for South African filmmakers to bring powerful family and youth-centred stories to the screen while advancing their careers within the national film industry.