Call for Applications: Film Festival Programme (Netherlands)

The Dutch Film Fund’s Film Festival Programme supports festivals that showcase high-quality national and international films, strengthen the Dutch film sector, and foster professional development, innovation, and audience engagement. Grants cover up to 30% of festival costs, ranging from €30,000 to €70,000, and prioritize programs promoting talent development, international cooperation, and sustainable practices. Eligible Dutch legal entities with prior festival experience can apply for single-edition or two-year project grants.

Overview

The Dutch Film Fund Film Festival Programme is designed to strengthen the film sector in the Netherlands by supporting festivals that offer professional, high-quality cinematographic experiences. The programme encourages festivals to showcase both national and international films, foster audience engagement, and support filmmaker development, innovation, and education.

Objectives and Focus Areas

• Enhance the film sector in the Netherlands

• Promote distribution, knowledge development, and visibility of professional cinematographic offerings

• Create networking opportunities for filmmakers and audiences

• Prioritize festivals with programs in:

  • International cooperation

  • Talent development

  • Cinematographic innovation

  • Education

• Encourage regional distribution and public accessibility

Funding Details

• Grants cover a maximum of 30% of total festival costs

• Grant range: €30,000 – €70,000 depending on budget, audience size, and track record

• Funding is available for:

  • Single edition grants

  • Two-year project grants for consecutive festival editions

Single Edition Grant Conditions

• Festival must be held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

• Collaborate with public and private partners contributing at least 5% local funding

• Festival must occur within eight months of application submission

Two-Year Project Grant Conditions

• Prior consecutive funding from the Film Fund for at least four years

• Successful completion of previous editions

• Must present a vision and objectives for the second edition

Eligibility Criteria

• Legal entity specializing in film based in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

• Must have organized at least two editions of the festival within the last four years

• Applications can be submitted for single or two-year project grants

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Artistic and content quality of the film program

• Social significance, accessibility, and national appeal

• Organizational and financial track record

• Strategic planning regarding:

  • Fair Practice

  • Cultural Governance

  • Diversity & Inclusion

  • Sustainability

• Two-year grants require a clear vision for festival development

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Activity plan for the upcoming festival edition

• List of selected or intended film titles

• Cross-media marketing plan

• Vision for second edition (if applying for two-year grant)

• Budget and financing plans

• Details of most recent festival edition

• Chamber of Commerce extract

Timeline

• Next Application Deadline: February 3, 2026

• Festivals must plan their edition within eight months post-submission

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure clear demonstration of program quality and audience impact

• Highlight strategic vision and sustainable practices

• Document past festival successes and collaborations

• Emphasize talent development and international cooperation

• Present a realistic budget and financing plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this grant?

Legal entities specializing in film in the Netherlands that have organized at least two festival editions in the past four years.

2. What types of grants are available?

• Single edition grant for one festival

• Two-year project grant for two consecutive editions

3. How much funding is available?

Grants cover up to 30% of total festival costs, ranging from €30,000 to €70,000.

4. Can international films be included?

Yes, the programme encourages national and international films of high artistic and content quality.

5. What evaluation criteria are used?

Applications are assessed based on artistic quality, social significance, accessibility, organizational track record, and strategic planning including sustainability and diversity.

6. What documents are required for submission?

Activity plan, list of films, marketing plan, vision for second edition (if applicable), budget and financing plans, past edition details, and Chamber of Commerce extract.

7. When is the deadline?

Applications must be submitted by February 3, 2026.

Conclusion

The Dutch Film Fund Film Festival Programme 2026 is a strategic initiative to strengthen the Dutch film sector, enhance professional filmmaking, and create inclusive, innovative, and internationally relevant festivals. By supporting festivals with funding, strategic guidance, and visibility, the programme ensures high-quality cinematographic experiences while fostering talent development and cultural exchange.