Submissions open for Daring – Short Film Grant Program (Germany)

Deadline: 08-Jun-2026

The Saxony-Anhalt Arts Foundation offers the Daring – Short Film Grant Program to support young filmmakers in developing and producing short films up to 30 minutes. The program provides scholarships for script and project development, production grants covering up to 90% of expenses, and festival presentation funding. Applications are open until 8 June 2026 for projects planned from January 2027, targeting self-employed filmmakers connected to Saxony-Anhalt.

Program Overview

The Daring – Short Film Grant Program supports young and emerging filmmakers in Saxony-Anhalt, encouraging the creation of innovative short films. Eligible projects include:

• Feature films and short films (max 30 minutes)

• Animated films

• Documentaries and experimental forms of documentary or fiction

The program provides funding for:

• Script and project development

• Production of new short films

• Presentation at national and international film festivals

Who Is Eligible?

• Self-employed filmmakers or artists, primarily self-employed

• Residents of Saxony-Anhalt or filmmakers whose project is connected to the region

• First-time creators may receive mentoring support

• School pupils, students, and trainees are not eligible

• Collaborative projects: Each artist must submit an individual application, with cross-referenced project descriptions

Program Components & Funding

1. Script and Project Development Scholarship

• Duration: 3 months

• Amount: €1,500 per month

• Applicants must not receive funding from other institutions during the scholarship

2. Short Film Production Funding (Daring-Courageous Program)

• Covers up to 90% of total expenses

• Maximum grant: €20,000

• For new projects that have not started before application

• Early project start possible with prior justification and approval

• Non-cash contributions: Natural persons cannot include non-cash contributions; legal entities may contribute up to 10% of total expenditures

3. Festival Presentation Support

• Fixed grants up to €2,000

• Same eligibility rules and application timeline as production funding

• Projects must not have commenced before applying unless approved for early start

How to Apply / Steps to Follow

1. Prepare a detailed project description and script outline

2. Ensure eligibility: self-employment status and regional connection

3. Submit a complete application via the Saxony-Anhalt Arts Foundation portal

4. Indicate if collaborative project: include shared title and cross-reference other applicants

5. Provide realistic financing plan (non-cash contributions rules apply)

6. Submit before the deadline: 8 June 2026, 23:59

7. Wait for selection notification and follow instructions for mentoring, development, or production support

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate project originality and regional relevance

• Ensure no concurrent funding from other institutions during the scholarship

• For collaborative projects, ensure accurate cross-references and coordination among applicants

• Justify any early project start requests in advance

• Carefully follow financing rules, particularly regarding non-cash contributions and provisions

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the development scholarship?
Self-employed filmmakers or artists residing in Saxony-Anhalt or with projects connected to the region.

2. Can students or trainees apply?
No, school pupils, students, and vocational trainees are not eligible.

3. What types of projects are supported?
Short films up to 30 minutes, feature films, animated films, documentaries, and experimental forms of documentary and fiction.

4. What is the maximum grant for production?
€20,000, covering up to 90% of total expenses.

5. Are festival presentations funded?
Yes, with fixed grants up to €2,000, following the same eligibility and application rules.

6. Can collaborative projects apply?
Yes, but each participant must submit an individual application, cross-referenced with other collaborators.

7. Can projects start before funding is approved?
Only with prior approval from the Foundation and proper justification.

Conclusion

The Daring – Short Film Grant Program empowers young filmmakers in Saxony-Anhalt to develop, produce, and showcase innovative short films. With comprehensive support from script development to festival presentation, this initiative provides a robust platform for emerging artists to advance their filmmaking careers and gain regional and international recognition.

For more information, visit The Saxony-Anhalt Arts Foundation.