Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Production Fund from the Purin Foundation supports feature-length fiction, animation, and documentary films from Southeast Asia that are close to production readiness. The fund provides USD 30,000 for fiction and animation projects and USD 15,000 for documentaries, with no entry fee. Funding is disbursed in instalments tied to agreement signing, principal photography, and final delivery.
Overview
The Production Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to feature-length Southeast Asian films that are ready to move into production.
The fund prioritizes:
• Projects longer than 60 minutes
• Under-represented voices in Southeast Asian cinema
• At least one female filmmaker per session in both production and post-production categories
Applications are reviewed by a professional selection committee appointed by the Purin Film Fund.
There is no application fee.
Funding Amount and Structure
Funding Amount
• USD 30,000 for fiction and animation projects
• USD 15,000 for documentary projects
Instalment Structure
Fiction and Animation Projects (Total: USD 30,000)
-
USD 10,000 upon signing the agreement
-
USD 15,000 at the start of principal photography
-
USD 5,000 upon final delivery
Documentary Projects (Total: USD 15,000)
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USD 10,000 upon signing the agreement
-
USD 5,000 upon delivery
Important Timeframe
Principal photography must begin within 24 months of signing the agreement.
If principal photography does not start within this period:
• The agreement is terminated
• Remaining funds are forfeited
Eligible Projects
The Production Fund supports:
• Feature-length fiction films
• Feature-length animation films
• Feature-length documentary films
Minimum length requirement: More than 60 minutes.
Short films are not eligible.
Projects must not have started principal photography at the time of application.
Previously rejected projects under this funding category cannot reapply.
However, projects that received production funding may later apply for post-production support.
Who Is Eligible?
Director Eligibility
• Must be a citizen of a Southeast Asian country
• Must have completed at least one feature film or two short films
• Animation directors may apply with one completed short film
Production Company Eligibility
• The primary production company must be registered in a Southeast Asian country
Project Development Requirements
Fiction and Animation Projects must submit:
• A completed script
Documentary Projects may submit:
• A narrative treatment
• Research materials (if a full script is unavailable)
Application Process
Applications are submitted:
• In English
• Through an online application form
• Twice per year (Spring and Fall sessions)
Each session follows fixed:
• Opening date
• Submission deadline
• Decision timeline
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
• Detailed creative materials
• Financial plan and budget
• Production schedule
• Director’s portfolio and filmography
• Producer credentials
• Production company documentation
By applying, applicants acknowledge:
• Materials will be reviewed by a professional committee
• The fund retains no rights to the completed film
• Proper credits and acknowledgements must be included in the film and promotional materials
All funding decisions are final.
Selection Process
A diverse international selection committee evaluates applications over approximately two months.
Evaluation Criteria:
-
Quality of the script or treatment
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Strength of supporting materials
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Director’s previous work
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Producer’s experience
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Budget clarity and financing plan
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Readiness for principal photography
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Creative and financial necessity of support
The committee may request additional materials if required.
Why This Fund Matters
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Supports Southeast Asian Cinema
The fund strengthens regional storytelling and film production ecosystems. -
Prioritizes Under-Represented Voices
Dedicated support for female filmmakers increases gender equity in filmmaking. -
Enables Production Readiness
Instalment-based funding helps projects transition from development to principal photography. -
Reduces Financial Barriers
No entry fee and flexible documentary submission formats make the fund accessible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Submitting a Short Film
Only feature-length projects exceeding 60 minutes are eligible. -
Applying After Starting Principal Photography
Projects must not have begun shooting. -
Incomplete Script for Fiction or Animation
A finished script is mandatory. -
Weak Financial Planning
A clear and realistic budget and financing plan are essential. -
Missing the 24-Month Production Window
Principal photography must start within two years of signing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available?
USD 30,000 for fiction and animation projects, and USD 15,000 for documentary projects.
2. Is there an application fee?
No. There is no entry fee.
3. Can short films apply?
No. Only projects exceeding 60 minutes are eligible.
4. Can a previously rejected project reapply?
No. Projects not selected under this category cannot reapply.
5. Can documentary projects apply without a full script?
Yes. A narrative treatment and research materials may be submitted if a script is unavailable.
6. Who reviews the applications?
A diverse international selection committee appointed by the Purin Film Fund reviews applications.
7. How long does the review process take?
Approximately two months after the submission deadline.
Conclusion
The Production Fund from the Purin Foundation provides structured, milestone-based financial support to feature-length Southeast Asian films close to production. With targeted backing for under-represented voices and female filmmakers, the fund plays a critical role in strengthening regional cinema.
Eligible directors and production companies with production-ready projects should prepare comprehensive creative and financial materials and apply during the spring or fall sessions.
For more information, visit Purin Foundation.
