Jury-Based Cultural Treatment Funding Feature Film/Documentary and Screenplay Funding Feature Film

The jury-based cultural treatment and screenplay funding of the federal government supports the development of feature-length fiction and documentary films with a non-repayable grant. In the treatment phase, up to €15,000 can be granted for the elaboration of a story idea, while the two-stage screenplay funding supports feature film project developments with up to €40,000 (up to €50,000 for complex animation projects). Additionally, up to €10,000 is available for consulting services such as dramaturgical advice, sensitivity reading, or script circles. The aim is to secure the livelihood of authors during the funding period as well as to strengthen quality and innovation potential in German film production. The grants are provided in full (100% funding rate) and are not to be understood as a fee but serve exclusively the development work.

Eligible for funding are authors residing or established in Germany or an EU member state who can demonstrate a published or award-winning treatment or screenplay. Applications are submitted exclusively via the FFA service portal; prior registration as an author is required. Documents to be submitted include, among others, a cover letter, exposé/treatment (5–12 pages), author’s commentary, proof of copyright and filming rights, as well as CV/filmography. Funding applications can be continuously uploaded until 07.07.2026 and 14.09.2026; incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Timely registration and adherence to formal requirements ensure on-time processing by the jury and increase the chance of successful development funding.