Feature Film – Graduation Film (Film and Media Foundation NRW)

The program "Feature Film – Graduation Film" of the Film and Media Foundation NRW is aimed at students at recognized film schools in North Rhine-Westphalia who wish to realize their graduation film project. With a grant of up to €20,000 and a funding rate of 80% of the total costs, the foundation supports promising emerging productions in the fields of media, culture & media. A prerequisite for submitting an application is an individual consultation with a program officer, which must take place one week before the submission deadline and serves as the basis for unlocking the online portal. Typically, two submission deadlines are offered per year, which are published in the foundation’s central service center. Compliance with binding ecological standards – from CO₂ accounting through the use of green electricity-powered production facilities to sustainable material and costume management – ensures environmentally conscious production and is an integral part of the funding conditions.

Only individuals enrolled in one of the established film school associations in NRW and presenting a graduation film project are eligible to apply. In addition to the consultation, the funding process includes the preparation of a preliminary and subsequent CO₂ balance as well as documentation of the measures taken to comply with ecological standards. The funding decision is made by an independent jury that evaluates the artistic quality as well as the ecological sustainability of the projects. Students benefit from professional support, a clearly structured application procedure, and the opportunity to realize their graduation film under optimal production conditions.