German Motion Picture Fund

The German Motion Picture Fund supports film productions nationwide with the aim of sustainably strengthening German film culture and maintaining international competitiveness. Companies, start-ups, as well as public institutions with headquarters or branches in Germany can submit grant applications on an ongoing basis. A prerequisite is proof of the German film status test as well as a significant artistic and technical contribution within the country. Eligible costs include in particular personnel and directing expenses, costs for shooting, production, and post-production, as well as necessary technical equipment. Retroactive expenses incurred before the application or costs for debts and interest payments are not supported. The funding primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises planning and realizing national feature films.

Evaluation is based on artistic quality, the economic concept, as well as the feasibility and scope of the budget. To apply, a fully completed application form, a project description, a detailed financing plan, and selected screenplay excerpts must be submitted. The allocation is managed by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) in cooperation with the German Federal Film Board (FFA). Interested film production companies, filmmakers, and producers located in Germany thus receive continuous financial support for the preparation and realization of feature film projects, paving the way for innovative German productions to reach national and international screens.