Deadline: 07-Jul-2026
Applications are open for the Feature Film and Long Animated Film Production Scheme, which provides financial support for the production of original majority Dutch feature films and long animated films intended for theatrical release. The scheme aims to strengthen a diverse, high-quality cinematic landscape in the Netherlands by supporting distinctive storytelling across genres and filmmakers at different career stages.
The program focuses on enabling culturally relevant, imaginative, and artistically strong films that contribute to audience engagement and the broader development of Dutch cinema.
Overview
This scheme supports the production phase of feature films and long animated films that are majority Dutch productions. It prioritizes originality, diversity, and creative quality in cinematic storytelling.
It is designed to ensure a balanced film ecosystem by supporting both emerging and experienced filmmakers, encouraging a wide range of perspectives, genres, and narrative approaches.
The ultimate goal is to maintain a strong and varied national film output that resonates with domestic audiences while strengthening the Dutch audiovisual sector.
Program Objectives
The scheme is designed to:
- Support production of original Dutch feature films and animated films
- Promote diverse and distinctive cinematic storytelling
- Strengthen the Dutch audiovisual production sector
- Encourage emerging and established filmmakers
- Support cultural expression through cinema
- Enhance audience engagement through meaningful storytelling
- Maintain a balanced and varied national film offering
- Strengthen creative and technical production capacity
The program prioritizes films that demonstrate artistic identity and strong narrative vision.
Eligible Film Types
The scheme supports:
- Feature films (live-action)
- Long animated films
- Majority Dutch productions intended for theatrical release
Films must demonstrate originality, artistic value, and relevance to diverse audiences.
Funding Support
Funding is provided as production realization grants based on project budget size:
- Up to €950,000 for films with production budgets up to €2 million
- Up to €1,200,000 for films with production budgets above €2 million
The grant supports production costs associated with completing the film and bringing it to theatrical release.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must meet strict production and company requirements.
Production companies must:
- Be independent legal entities
- Be established in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, EU, EEA, or Switzerland
- Have at least two years of continuous audiovisual production activity
- Be engaged in ongoing film and audiovisual exploitation
Additionally, applications must be submitted by a qualified producer.
The producer must:
- Have served as majority producer on at least one feature film or long animated film
- Have a film released theatrically in the Netherlands
- Not be the director or screenwriter of the submitted project
- Represent the applying production company
These requirements ensure professional production experience and sector credibility.
Selection Focus
Projects are evaluated based on:
- Artistic quality and originality
- Strength of storytelling and narrative structure
- Contribution to diversity in Dutch cinema
- Audience engagement potential
- Feasibility of production plan
- Strength of production team and company track record
- Cultural relevance and creative vision
The scheme favors films that add meaningful value to the national film landscape.
Why This Scheme Matters
The Dutch film sector depends on structured support to maintain creative diversity and international competitiveness.
This scheme contributes by:
- Supporting high-quality national film production
- Encouraging artistic innovation and experimentation
- Strengthening independent production companies
- Expanding opportunities for emerging filmmakers
- Ensuring diverse storytelling perspectives
- Enhancing the visibility of Dutch cinema domestically and internationally
It plays a key role in sustaining a balanced and vibrant film ecosystem.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure the production company meets legal establishment and experience requirements, and that the producer has the required track record.
Step 2: Prepare Project Materials
Applicants should prepare:
- Detailed script or treatment
- Production plan and timeline
- Budget breakdown
- Financing structure
- Creative team details
- Artistic statement and vision
Step 3: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted through the official funding channel with complete documentation.
Step 4: Evaluation Process
Projects are assessed based on artistic, technical, and production feasibility criteria.
Tips for Applicants
- Emphasize originality and narrative strength
- Clearly define the artistic vision of the film
- Ensure a realistic and detailed production budget
- Highlight audience engagement potential
- Demonstrate strong production experience
- Show clear alignment with Dutch cinematic priorities
- Strengthen diversity and cultural relevance elements
- Ensure compliance with eligibility requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What types of films are supported?
- Feature films and long animated films intended for theatrical release.
- How much funding is available?
- Up to €950,000 or €1,200,000 depending on the production budget.
- Who can apply?
- Independent production companies based in the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the Netherlands.
- Is emerging talent supported?
- Yes, both emerging and experienced filmmakers are eligible.
- What is required from the producer?
- Experience as majority producer on at least one theatrically released feature or animated film in the Netherlands.
- Can the director also be the producer?
- No, the producer must be a different individual.
- What is the main goal of the scheme?
- To support high-quality, diverse, and original Dutch film production.
Conclusion
The Feature Film and Long Animated Film Production Scheme provides substantial production funding to support original Dutch cinema. By prioritizing artistic quality, diversity, and professional production standards, the program strengthens the national film industry and ensures the continued development of compelling and culturally significant storytelling for audiences in the Netherlands and beyond.
For more information, visit Nederlands Film fund.
