The Eastern Cape Development Corporation has opened applications to the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund, an initiative designed to position the Eastern Cape as a preferred destination for national and international film and television productions.
Established in 2019, the fund promotes investment in the provincial film sector while supporting job creation, skills development and local industry growth.
The programme provides financial support to productions that choose the Eastern Cape as a filming location and contribute to the development of the province’s creative economy.
Funding categories
The fund is available across two main categories:
Production Funding
Feature films – up to R1.5 million (recoupable)
Drama or TV series – up to R2 million (recoupable)
Television series – up to R1.5 million (non-recoupable)
Telenovelas/soapies – up to R3 million (non-recoupable)
Reality shows – up to R1.5 million (non-recoupable)
Animation – up to R1 million (recoupable)
Documentaries – up to R500,000 (recoupable)
Microfilm Funding
Supports short-form productions including short films, documentaries and short TV formats, with funding of up to R150,000.
Additional support of up to R70,000Â is available for participation in national or international film festivals and markets where a film has been officially selected.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a registered South African production company
Secure at least 60% of the total production budget
Provide a distribution or commissioning agreement
Spend at least 60% of the production budget in the Eastern Cape
Shoot at least 50% of principal photography in the province
Demonstrate skills development or training for local filmmakers
International productions must partner with a registered South African production company to qualify.
Application process
Applicants must review the official ECFIF guidelines and submit a completed application form with all required supporting documentation.
Download the Microfilm Funding application form here
Download the Production Funding application form here
Only one application per category may be submitted per funding call. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Submission details
Applications must be submitted electronically to: film@ecdc.co.za
Enquiries
Mr Athenkosi Balisoabaliso@ecdc.co.za
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.