Deadline: 03-Mar-2026
The Caleidoscoop Film Grant supports innovative, low-budget feature films that push creative boundaries. Filmmakers receive funding for project development (€28,750) and film production (€300,000–€550,000), with a focus on originality, teamwork, and a one-year production timeline. The program prioritizes artistic risk, strong narrative coherence, and commercially viable low-budget filmmaking.
Overview of the Program
The Caleidoscoop Film Grant encourages both new and experienced filmmakers to develop unique feature-length films longer than 60 minutes outside conventional financing systems. Key goals include:
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Promoting originality, urgency, and creativity in content and approach
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Supporting films that challenge standard development, financing, and release models
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Encouraging teamwork between producers, directors, writers, and other key contributors
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Ensuring low-budget, time-bound production while maintaining strong artistic and commercial coherence
The program offers two types of grants:
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Project Development Grant: Up to €28,750 for final development, including script polishing, storyboarding, test footage, rehearsals, location scouting, worldbuilding, and production budgeting.
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Realization Grant: €300,000–€550,000 for full production, with additional funding up to €3,000 for sustainability (eco-manager costs).
Who is Eligible
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Filmmakers: New and experienced directors who aim to produce boundary-pushing, original films
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Team Requirements:
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Minimum development team: Producer + Director (+ Co-writer for fiction projects)
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Production team: Heads of department, main actors, and other collaborators
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Director and screenwriter cannot be the same as the producer
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Production Company Requirements:
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Legal entity established ≥2 years in the Netherlands, EU, EEA, or Switzerland
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Active in audiovisual production and exploitation
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Producer must have experience as majority producer on at least one independent, non-commissioned film
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For hybrid documentaries (>70 minutes), proven experience with long-form documentaries and budget alignment
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How to Apply / Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted by the production company and include:
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Synopsis, scenario, or alternative narrative structures (skeleton script, storyboard)
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Notes from the creative team (producer, director, screenwriter, co-writer, script coach)
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CVs of producer, director, screenwriter
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Budget and financing plan
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Work plan aligned with the Caleidoscoop method (development-phase production budget, low-budget justification, timeline)
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Plan for positioning and release
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Agreements with heads of department and co-producers
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Viewing material
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Recent Chamber of Commerce extract
Applicants may optionally provide an oral presentation to further explain artistic and business aspects. Substantive committee members do not read the application before the presentation.
Selection Process
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Artistic Committee: Assesses creativity, originality, content, and narrative coherence
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Production Committee & Project Supervisor: Evaluate production and business feasibility
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Final Decision: Made by the director/manager according to General Regulations
Key Focus Areas
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Creativity and Originality: Films must stand out in content and approach
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Teamwork: Strong collaboration among producers, directors, writers, and key creatives
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Low-Budget Innovation: Encouraging resourceful filmmaking that aligns with one-year production timelines
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Artistic and Commercial Coherence: Clear connection between form, content, and production approach
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Sustainability: Optional eco-manager funding to support environmental responsibility
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting incomplete applications
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Producer, director, or screenwriter roles not aligned with eligibility requirements
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Lack of detailed budgeting or financing plan
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Missing agreements with key collaborators
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Ignoring low-budget justification or production timeline requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum grant for project development?
Up to €28,750.
2. What is the funding range for film production?
Between €300,000 and €550,000, depending on project scope and ambition.
3. Who can apply?
New and experienced filmmakers through a production company registered ≥2 years in the Netherlands, EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
4. Can the director also be the producer?
No, the director or screenwriter cannot be the same as the producer.
5. Are hybrid documentaries eligible?
Yes, with a minimum runtime of 70 minutes and a producer experienced in long documentaries.
6. Is an oral presentation mandatory?
No, it is optional and allows teams to explain artistic and business aspects further.
7. Can awarded projects automatically receive future funding?
No, development grants do not guarantee realization funding; projects must apply separately within one year.
Conclusion
The Caleidoscoop Film Grant offers filmmakers a rare opportunity to create innovative, low-budget feature films with strong creative vision and artistic risk. By emphasizing originality, teamwork, and sustainable production, the program nurtures boundary-pushing cinema and supports filmmakers in achieving impactful storytelling within a one-year timeframe.
For more information, visit Dutch Film Fund.