The Thuthuka Film Co-production Fund programme supports the development and realization of feature films, long documentaries and animated films that have a meaningful South African and Dutch connection.
An initiative of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the Netherlands Film Fund, Thuthuka aims to strengthen creative and production cooperation between South Africa and the Netherlands by supporting ambitious films with strong cinematographic quality and the potential to reach cinema and film festival audiences in both countries and internationally.
Projects are developed and produced as equal South African–Dutch co-productions, with the creative partnership between the two countries at the centre of the project.
Funding
Development: Up to €40,000 for scriptwriting, pitch book development, coaching, translation and other eligible development costs.
Realization: Up to €250,000 for feature films and €100,000 for documentaries from the Netherlands Film Fund, with an equal contribution from the NFVF in ZAR through the South African co-producer.
Realization funding is only available to projects that complete the Thuthuka development phase and are selected through the realization pitch.
Scope and approach
The programme supports:
Feature films
Long documentaries
Long animated films
Projects must be primarily intended for theatrical release and have meaningful creative and production collaboration between South Africa and the Netherlands.
Development projects must include the relevant South African/Dutch writer and co-producer, depending on whether the production is majority Dutch or majority South African.
Development applications should include a synopsis, treatment or script, development budget and financing plan, letters of commitment from key collaborators, CVs and a development timeline.
Eligibility
Applications are submitted by production companies, not individuals.
For the Dutch route, the production company must be established in the Netherlands, an EU/EEA member state, or Switzerland for at least two years and have a proven track record of producing and theatrically releasing films.
Projects must demonstrate genuine and balanced South African–Dutch creative and production collaboration.
Application information
Deadline: 6 October 2026
For more information and to apply, click here.
For majority South African productions, applications are submitted by a South African-based production company to the NFVF.
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.