Distribution of Dutch Film Productions in the Netherlands

The Netherlands Film Fund provides financial support for distributors of Dutch feature films, animated films, documentaries, children’s films, and youth films to cover prints and advertising (P&A) costs linked to theatrical release in the Netherlands. Eligible projects may receive contributions of up to €75,000, with additional support available for festival selections and Dutch dubbing of eligible minority children’s and youth films.

About the Netherlands Film Fund Distribution Support Scheme

The Netherlands Film Fund is inviting applications for financial contributions that help film distributors promote and release Dutch films in the Netherlands.

The scheme supports prints and advertising costs connected with theatrical distribution and, in exceptional situations, non-theatrical releases.

Supported productions include:

• Dutch feature films.
• Animated feature films.
• Documentaries.
• Children’s films.
• Youth films.
• Eligible short films shown before a main theatrical feature.

The programme aims to reduce financial barriers and distribution risks while increasing audience access to Dutch cinema.

Purpose of the Funding

The scheme helps distributors by contributing towards costs related to:

• Film marketing campaigns.
• Advertising activities.
• Promotional materials.
• Distribution-related expenses.
• Audience development activities.

The contribution helps strengthen the visibility and reach of Dutch film productions.

Eligible Film Productions

Funding is available for:

• Majority Dutch productions.
• Minority Dutch co-productions.
• Films that have received selective production support from the Netherlands Film Fund.
• Films supported through the Film Production Incentive when selected for festivals.

Eligible Applicants

Applications can be submitted by:

• Film distributors responsible for releasing eligible Dutch films.

Applicants must demonstrate their role in distributing the film and provide relevant business and project documentation.

Funding Amounts

The maximum contribution depends on the type of production and the prints and advertising budget.

Majority Dutch Films with P&A Budget Up to €60,000

Eligible productions may receive:

• Feature films, long animated films, or documentaries: up to €30,000.
• Children’s or youth films: up to €40,000.

Majority Dutch Films with P&A Budget of €60,000 or More

Eligible productions may receive:

• Feature films.
• Long animated films.
• Children’s films.
• Youth films.
• Documentaries.

Maximum contribution:

• Up to €75,000.

Minority Co-Productions

Minority co-productions that received selective production support may receive:

• Up to €15,000.

Dutch Dubbing Support

Eligible minority children’s and youth films may receive:

• Additional support of up to €15,000 for Dutch-language dubbing.

International Festival Support

If a production is selected for a section of an international A-list film festival, applicants may request:

• Up to €25,000 additional contribution.

Support for Short Films

Short films that are screened before a main feature film in cinemas may also receive support.

The contribution amount is determined in consultation with the Netherlands Film Fund based on the specific project circumstances.

Repayment Conditions

The financial contribution:

• Helps reduce distribution costs and risks.
• Does not need to be repaid from operating income.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Film synopsis or brief summary.
• Film screener link with password if required.
• Marketing and distribution plan.
• Low, medium, and high budget estimates.
• Marketing and distribution budget using the Film Fund format.
• Distribution agreement between distributor and production company or sales agent.
• Chamber of Commerce extract.
• Company operating overviews.
• Description of applicant’s position and professional profile.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on factors including:

• Quality and suitability of the distribution strategy.
• Marketing approach.
• Audience reach potential.
• Financial planning.
• Professional capacity of the distributor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Netherlands Film Fund Prints and Advertising Support Scheme?

It is a funding programme that supports film distributors with costs related to marketing and releasing Dutch films.

Who can apply for this funding?

Film distributors of eligible Dutch feature films, animated films, documentaries, children’s films, and youth films can apply.

What costs does the funding cover?

The funding supports prints and advertising costs related to theatrical distribution and, in exceptional cases, non-theatrical releases.

How much funding can a film receive?

Support ranges from €15,000 for eligible minority co-productions to up to €75,000 for larger majority Dutch productions.

Can documentary films receive support?

Yes. Dutch documentaries are eligible if they meet the programme requirements.

Are animated films eligible?

Yes. Long animated films can receive support under the scheme.

Can children’s and youth films receive additional funding?

Yes. Eligible minority children’s and youth films may receive additional support for Dutch dubbing.

Does the funding need to be repaid?

No. The contribution does not need to be repaid from film operating income.

Are short films eligible?

Yes. Short films shown before a main feature film in cinemas may receive support, with the amount determined by consultation with the Film Fund.

What documents are required for application?

Applicants must provide film details, marketing plans, budgets, agreements, company documents, and distributor information.

Can minority Dutch co-productions apply?

Yes. Minority co-productions with selective production support may qualify for distribution assistance.

Conclusion

The Netherlands Film Fund Prints and Advertising Support Scheme helps Dutch film distributors bring high-quality productions to audiences by reducing marketing and release costs. Through targeted financial contributions, the programme strengthens the visibility of Dutch cinema, supports diverse film genres, and encourages wider national and international recognition of Dutch filmmaking.