Jury-Based Cultural Production Funding for Program-Filling Films

The jury-based cultural production funding for feature-length films supports companies producing nationwide in the realization of artistically outstanding feature, documentary, and children's films. As a non-repayable grant, production costs, personnel and material expenses, as well as post-production, are funded. Feature films can be subsidized with up to 1 million euros, documentary films with up to 500,000 euros. A prerequisite for application is residence or business location in Germany or, in the case of an EU/EEA foreign location, a German branch, as well as submission before the start of filming or measures. Allocation takes place in regular jury sessions based on established criteria such as artistic quality, significant German cultural influence, and realistic financing structure. SMEs benefit from funding that is not reserved solely for renowned producers but also offers emerging projects space for innovative narrative forms. For animation and experimental films, different total cost limits apply in justified exceptional cases.

Submission deadlines for feature films are April 14, 2026, July 7, 2026, and September 29, 2026; for documentary films, April 14, 2026, and September 8, 2026; and for children's films, September 1, 2026. Required are a detailed project description, a comprehensive financing plan with budget and calculation scheme, a BAFA project certificate, as well as letters of intent from the director and producer. The FFA Film Funding Agency processes the procedure on behalf of the BKM and offers webinars and detailed information sheets for guidance. Interested companies can submit all application documents via the FFA service portal and conveniently track the status of their funding. This production funding specifically strengthens the creative diversity and visibility of German film art domestically and internationally.