Feature Documentary Realization Scheme for Long-Form Films

Applications are open for the Realization of a Long Documentary Scheme, a funding program that supports the production of distinctive majority Dutch feature-length documentaries exceeding 70 minutes. The scheme aims to strengthen the diversity and quality of Dutch documentary cinema by supporting original storytelling, artistic innovation, and documentaries that engage audiences with relevant and thought-provoking subjects.

The program encourages bold, distinctive filmmaking and provides production funding to help documentary creators bring high-quality cinematic works to audiences in the Netherlands and internationally.

Overview

The Realization of a Long Documentary Scheme supports the production of feature-length documentaries intended for theatrical release and broader audience engagement.

The program seeks to foster a diverse audiovisual landscape by investing in documentaries that demonstrate originality, strong artistic vision, and meaningful storytelling. Funding is designed to support projects that contribute to the richness of Dutch documentary filmmaking while creating opportunities for both established and emerging filmmakers.

Projects should demonstrate cinematic quality, cultural relevance, and the potential to reach audiences through compelling documentary narratives.

Funding Amount

Eligible projects may receive:

• Up to €275,000 as a production grant for a feature-length documentary

The grant may cover eligible production costs, including accessibility measures designed to improve audience inclusion.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Projects approved under the scheme may also qualify for supplementary support.

Impact and Outreach Plan Support

Applicants may receive:

• Up to €6,000

This funding supports the development of:

• Impact campaigns
• Audience engagement strategies
• Outreach plans
• Public awareness initiatives

The work may be carried out by professionals such as:

• Impact producers
• Publicists
• Audience engagement specialists

International Sales Support

Projects may receive:

• Up to €6,000

Funding can support:

• International press kits
• Sales-related deliverables
• Materials required for international distribution

Support is available when linked to an international sales agreement.

Marketing and Promotion Support

The scheme may cover:

• Up to 75% of eligible extraordinary marketing and promotional costs

Maximum contribution:

• Up to €20,000

This support is intended to help production companies expand audience reach and visibility for completed documentaries.

Accessibility Requirements

The scheme promotes accessibility and audience inclusion.

Funding includes support for:

• Audio description
• Subtitling

These measures help improve access for:

• Visually impaired audiences
• Hearing-impaired audiences

Accessibility features are intended to support distribution across multiple viewing platforms.

Program Objectives

The scheme aims to:

• Support distinctive Dutch documentary filmmaking
• Encourage original and innovative storytelling
• Strengthen the Dutch documentary sector
• Promote artistic boldness and individuality
• Expand audience access to high-quality documentaries
• Support both emerging and experienced filmmakers
• Increase diversity in documentary storytelling
• Enhance the international visibility of Dutch documentaries

Projects should demonstrate a strong artistic identity and a clear cinematic vision.

Priority Areas

The program prioritizes documentaries that:

• Present original perspectives
• Explore relevant social, cultural, historical, or contemporary issues
• Stimulate imagination and discussion
• Demonstrate artistic excellence
• Offer distinctive storytelling approaches
• Contribute to a diverse film landscape

The scheme welcomes projects from a broad range of narrative perspectives and documentary styles.

Supported Documentary Types

Eligible projects may include:

• Observational documentaries
• Investigative documentaries
• Character-driven documentaries
• Social issue documentaries
• Historical documentaries
• Cultural documentaries
• Creative documentaries
• Hybrid documentary formats

The focus is on originality, quality, and audience relevance rather than a specific genre or subject matter.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are limited to eligible independent production companies.

The applicant must meet all organizational and professional eligibility requirements outlined by the scheme.

Eligibility for Production Companies

Eligible production companies must:

• Be independent production companies
• Be legally established in:
  • The Kingdom of the Netherlands
  • A European Union member state
  • A European Economic Area (EEA) country
  • Switzerland
• Have been continuously active in producing and exploiting audiovisual works for at least two years

Applicants should demonstrate a professional track record within the audiovisual industry.

Producer Requirements

The applying company must be represented by a producer who:

• Has served as majority producer on at least one feature-length documentary
• Has worked on a documentary that received a theatrical release in the Netherlands
• Possesses relevant documentary production experience

These requirements help ensure that funded projects are supported by experienced production leadership.

Independence Requirement

To maintain professional creative collaboration:

• The producer must not be the director of the documentary being submitted.

The producer and director must hold separate roles within the project.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are generally assessed based on:

• Originality of the documentary concept
• Artistic quality and vision
• Relevance of the subject matter
• Strength of storytelling approach
• Production feasibility
• Audience potential
• Diversity contribution to Dutch cinema
• Experience and capacity of the creative team
• Distribution and impact potential

Projects should demonstrate both creative ambition and practical viability.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that:

• The documentary exceeds 70 minutes in length.
• The project qualifies as a majority Dutch production.
• The production company meets all eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Prepare the Project Package

Develop materials that clearly present:

• Documentary concept
• Story structure
• Creative vision
• Production approach
• Audience strategy

Strong project documentation is essential for assessment.

Step 3: Develop the Production Plan

Include:

• Production schedule
• Budget
• Financing structure
• Key creative personnel
• Distribution considerations

The plan should demonstrate that the project can be successfully completed and released.

Step 4: Consider Impact and Distribution

Applicants are encouraged to outline:

• Audience engagement opportunities
• Outreach activities
• Festival strategy
• International sales potential
• Marketing considerations

These elements may strengthen the overall application.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete all required application materials and provide supporting documentation according to program guidelines.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly articulate what makes the documentary distinctive.
• Demonstrate a strong artistic and cinematic vision.
• Highlight the relevance of the story for contemporary audiences.
• Present a realistic production and financing plan.
• Include a clear audience and distribution strategy.
• Consider accessibility and outreach opportunities early in development.
• Showcase the experience and strengths of the creative team.
• Explain the documentary’s contribution to a diverse audiovisual landscape.

Why This Scheme Matters

Feature-length documentaries play an important role in exploring complex issues, documenting human experiences, and expanding public understanding of the world. Strong documentary filmmaking contributes to cultural dialogue, artistic expression, and informed public discussion.

The Realization of a Long Documentary Scheme helps ensure that ambitious Dutch documentary projects receive the resources needed to reach production and connect with audiences. By supporting originality, diversity, accessibility, and cinematic quality, the program strengthens the documentary sector and contributes to a vibrant and diverse film culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How much production funding is available?
  • Eligible projects may receive up to €275,000 as a production grant.
• What types of documentaries are eligible?
  • Majority Dutch feature-length documentaries exceeding 70 minutes.
• Can projects receive additional funding beyond the production grant?
  • Yes. Additional support may be available for impact campaigns, international sales materials, and marketing activities.
• Is accessibility funding included?
  • Yes. Funding includes costs for audio description and subtitling to improve accessibility.
• Who can apply?
  • Independent production companies established in the Netherlands, the EU, EEA, or Switzerland that meet the experience requirements.
• Can the producer also serve as the director?
  • No. The producer representing the application must be different from the documentary’s director.
• Is previous documentary production experience required?
  • Yes. The producer must have served as majority producer on at least one feature-length documentary that received a theatrical release in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

The Realization of a Long Documentary Scheme supports the production of original and distinctive majority Dutch feature documentaries that contribute to a diverse and dynamic cinematic landscape. Through substantial production funding, accessibility support, marketing assistance, and audience engagement opportunities, the scheme helps filmmakers bring compelling documentary stories to audiences in the Netherlands and beyond. Organizations with strong documentary projects, experienced production leadership, and a clear creative vision are encouraged to apply.