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The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has opened the call for the Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6), inviting applications for large-scale “blockbuster” films that celebrate South Africa’s heritage. Learn more about eligibility, funding details, and application deadlines.

NFVF Opens Call for PESP 6: Funding South Africa’s Next Blockbuster Films

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has officially announced the opening of the call for the Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6), focusing on films with the potential to become commercial “blockbusters.” This call, themed “Legacy Through Narrative,” aims to support heritage-related projects that celebrate South Africa’s cultural icons, traditions, and stories — ensuring that local filmmakers lead in telling these narratives before Hollywood does.

This initiative is made possible by The Presidency, through the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), as part of its continued implementation of PESP 6 under the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP). The programme seeks to reignite the creative economy and create sustainable employment opportunities in the film and video sector following the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding and Job Creation Targets

For the 2025/26 financial year, DSAC has allocated R230 million to ensure a job creation target of 15,360 positions. Out of this, R50 million will go toward Project 1, Stream 1: Group 1 (Blockbuster Films) — the category now open for applications. The aim is to fund five large-scale film projects, each with a cap of R10 million, capable of generating at least 100 jobs for feature films and documentaries, and 50 jobs for animation projects within a 12-month period (01 August 2026 – 31 July 2027).

In total, Project 1, Stream 1 (Production) — which includes both Group 1 and Group 2 projects — has been allocated R120,926,730, while Project 2 (Digitisation) receives R13,500,000, supporting the preservation and digitisation of South Africa’s audio-visual heritage.

Focus: “Legacy Through Narrative”

Under this theme, PESP 6 will support fictional, non-fictional, and animated projects that explore South Africa’s cultural heritage, historical icons, and significant events. The goal is to encourage filmmakers to craft stories that highlight the country’s rich cultural identity, foster national pride, and promote social cohesion.

Projects must be production-ready and able to reach completion within the stipulated 12-month timeframe. Development funding may be included in the proposed budget, provided it does not delay project delivery.

Eligibility and Application Process

Only Tier 1 filmmakers — those with a proven record of developing or producing at least three successful and commercially viable projects — are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a CV with contactable references to verify experience.

Application details:

• Opening Date: 01 October 2025
• Closing Date: 28 November 2025, at 17:00
• Application Link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
• Email Queries: PESP@nfvf.co.za

Applicants are urged to secure supplementary funding (if required) before submission and to ensure that projects create employment opportunities for youth, women, people with disabilities, and previously disadvantaged groups.

Building South Africa’s Cinematic Future

The PESP 6 “Blockbuster” open call reaffirms government’s commitment to empowering the South African film industry by investing in projects that not only entertain but also preserve cultural identity and generate employment. By championing heritage storytelling through film, the NFVF and DSAC continue to drive South Africa’s creative economy toward a more inclusive and globally competitive future.

For more information and updates, visit: www.nfvf.co.za