Feature Film – Simplified Funding

The Simplified Feature Film Funding of the Film and Media Foundation NRW is aimed at producers, directors, and distributors headquartered in North Rhine-Westphalia and supports low-budget cinema projects across all genres – from short and documentary films to feature films as well as experimental and animated formats. Non-repayable grants can be applied for in the phases of screenplay, project preparation, production, post-production, and distribution/sales. A focus is placed on sustainable working practices: the Ecological Standards are mandatory for production funding and regulate, among other things, CO₂ accounting, the use of green electricity, environmentally friendly means of transport, and resource-conserving material management. International co-productions are possible with partners from North Rhine-Westphalia; special provisions regarding the cinematic work sample apply for short film and post-production funding. Students are excluded from this funding line but may utilize other programs of the Foundation.

Prior to submitting an application, an individual consultation with the responsible officer is required to unlock access to the online portal. The funding application must include proof of the consultation, a declaration of compliance with the Ecological Standards, and, for short film and post-production applications, a cinematic work sample. Information on submission deadlines and detailed timelines can be found in the service center of the Film and Media Foundation NRW. The review is conducted by independent funding committees that meet several times a year. Upon completion of the project, a final report including a CO₂ balance must be submitted to ensure transparency regarding the implementation of ecological requirements and to provide valuable feedback for future projects.