Allocation and Use of Reference Funds for Short Films and Non-Feature-Length Children's Films within the Framework of the Film Funding Act 2025

The funding measure "Allocation and Use of Reference Funds for Short Films and Non-Feature-Length Children's Films within the Framework of the Film Funding Act 2025" by the FFA Filmförderungsanstalt is aimed nationwide at manufacturers and producers who can already demonstrate successfully distributed short films or non-feature-length children's films. As a retrospective grant funding, the allocation of reference funds for already awarded or festival-screened films is first applied for in a two-stage process. Subsequently, the allocated funds can be drawn upon within two years after the issuance of the allocation notice for the realization of a new project. This financing structure is intended to sustainably strengthen the creative diversity in short film and children's film production. Applications can be submitted by December 31 of the calendar year in which the two-year period for calculating the reference points expires.

Eligible for funding are start-ups, private individuals, as well as companies that provide proof of a completed reference film with awards or festival participations. The project duration is a maximum of 24 months, with only production costs for short films and non-feature-length children's films being eligible for funding. Application documents include the application for allocation, proof of festival participation and received awards, as well as a detailed project description of the planned new undertaking. The program specifically targets filmmakers who wish to further develop their creative potential with professional support and benefit from the experiences of their reference projects.