Deadline: 22-Sep-2026
The De Verbeelding scheme is a Dutch funding programme that supports collaborations between visual artists and film producers to create experimental, feature-length films. It funds both development (up to €25,000) and production (up to €500,000) of artistically driven cinema that blends visual art practices with cinematic storytelling, with strong international film festival potential.
What Is the De Verbeelding Scheme?
De Verbeelding is a funding initiative designed to support innovative feature-length film projects that emerge from the intersection of visual arts and cinema. It encourages collaboration between professional visual artists and experienced film producers to create works that expand cinematic language and explore new forms of audiovisual expression.
The scheme is administered to strengthen artistic film production in the Netherlands and promote internationally oriented, experimental feature films.
Core Purpose and Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support collaboration between visual artists and film producers
- Develop feature-length films rooted in visual art practices
- Encourage experimental and boundary-pushing cinematic language
- Strengthen artistic film production in the Netherlands
- Promote films with strong international festival potential
- Expand the relationship between visual arts and cinema
- Support innovation in audiovisual storytelling
Key Creative Focus Areas
Projects funded under De Verbeelding typically include:
Visual Arts–Driven Cinema
- Films originating from visual art concepts
- Strong emphasis on imagery, composition, and visual narrative
- Experimental and non-traditional storytelling structures
Artistic and Experimental Film Language
- Non-linear or conceptual storytelling approaches
- Hybrid forms of cinema and installation art
- Exploration of audiovisual expression beyond mainstream formats
International Festival-Oriented Works
- Films suitable for global art and film festivals
- Strong artistic identity and originality
- Innovative cinematic techniques and aesthetics
Funding Structure
The scheme provides support in two main stages:
1. Development Phase
- Up to €25,000 per project
- Additional overhead and producer fee support up to 17.5%
- Focus on concept development and artistic direction
- Preparation for full production planning
2. Realization (Production) Phase
- Up to €500,000 per project
- Covers full feature-length production costs
- Includes promotion and marketing expenses
- Includes accessibility measures (subtitling, audio description, etc.)
- Supports final delivery and distribution readiness
This two-stage model ensures both strong conceptual development and high-quality production outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Required Collaboration Structure
Applications must be jointly developed by:
- A professional visual artist
- A film production company (lead applicant)
The collaboration must be central to the project’s creative process.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Visual Artists
- Minimum 3 years of professional practice in visual arts
- Proven experience in independent or experimental film work
- Demonstrated artistic portfolio and practice
Producers / Production Companies
- Extensive experience in theatrical and artistic film production
- Track record in experimental or art-focused cinema
- Ability to manage full feature-length film production
Production Company Requirements
- Legally registered in the Netherlands, EU, EEA, or Switzerland
- At least 2 years of active film production experience
- Experience in film exploitation and distribution
Ineligibility Rules
The scheme does NOT accept:
- Applicants still in vocational or academic education
- Applications without a clear artist–producer collaboration
- Individuals acting as both producer and artist
- Production companies without required legal establishment or experience
- Projects lacking artistic or experimental focus
Project Structure and Development Process
The programme follows a two-stage structure:
Stage 1: Development
- Artistic and conceptual development
- Story and visual language exploration
- Production planning and feasibility design
- Preparation for realization funding application
Stage 2: Realization
- Full feature-length film production
- Artistic execution of developed concept
- Post-production, editing, and finalization
- Marketing and accessibility preparation
Only selected development projects may progress to realization funding.
Key Evaluation Criteria
Projects are typically assessed on:
- Artistic originality and innovation
- Strength of visual and cinematic language
- Quality of collaboration between artist and producer
- Feasibility of production plan
- International festival potential
- Contribution to experimental film practice
- Overall cultural and artistic value
Importance of the Scheme
De Verbeelding is significant because it:
- Encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration between art and film
- Supports experimental and non-commercial cinema
- Strengthens the Dutch artistic film ecosystem
- Promotes innovation in audiovisual storytelling
- Helps artists transition into cinematic formats
- Enhances international visibility of Dutch film-art projects
Conclusion
The De Verbeelding scheme is a high-level Dutch funding programme that supports experimental feature films created through collaboration between visual artists and experienced film producers. By funding both development and production stages, it enables ambitious, visually driven projects that push the boundaries of cinematic expression and contribute to international art film culture.
For more information, visit Netherlands Film Fund.