Funding by Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung GmbH

The Central German Media Support GmbH offers companies in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia a comprehensive funding program for the development and strengthening of the film, television, and audiovisual media culture industry. Funding is provided for project stages ranging from concept and project development through production support to distribution, licensing, exhibition, and presentation, as well as training and further education measures. Eligible applicants include producers, authors, directors, developers, distribution and sales companies, as well as operators of cinemas and organizers of media-specific training programs. Funding is granted as a subsidy or low-interest loan and supports all phases of audiovisual productions with a cultural focus. The aim is to generate regional impulses, realize high-quality content, and thereby sustainably increase both the cultural and economic value in the three federal states.

Eligible expenses amount to up to 50% of the total project costs (up to 60% for cross-border EU co-productions) and loan amounts of up to €300,000 for feature-length films by emerging talent. Applications are submitted online via the MDM application portal; a written confirmation must be subsequently submitted by post. A prerequisite for funding is proof of total financing, adherence to ecologically and socially responsible production methods, and demonstrable cultural and economic impact in the target regions. Funds must be invested regionally, and media professional training and further education must be ensured. Additional evaluation criteria include quality, cost-effectiveness, and regional relevance. Interested companies may refer to the following submission deadlines in 2025 and 2026, each accompanied by mandatory consultation meetings: 20.10.2025 (until 06.10.2025), 02.02.2026 (until 19.01.2026), 13.04.2026 (until 27.03.2026), 17.08.2026 (until 03.08.2026), and 19.10.2026 (until 02.10.2026).