Documentary

We support documentary films from development through production to post-production and distribution.

Types of Funding: What stage is the project in?

Creative Development

Production

Distribution

Five Facts About Documentary Film Funding

From Research to Distribution

We support documentary films throughout the entire development process—from research and story development through production and post-production to theatrical release, international distribution, and festival screenings.

Development with journalistic and cinematic depth

Through Creative Development and specialized funding programs, we support documentary projects from their earliest stages—from the synopsis and treatment to further project development.

Flexibility for projects of various sizes

Depending on the project, stage of development, and budget, various funding options are available—from lavishly produced documentaries to low-budget projects.

North Rhine-Westphalia as a Documentary Film Location

This funding strengthens NRW as a production and creative hub and supports projects that bring economic value, talent, and documentary filmmaking to the state.

Diversity of Documentary Forms

Funding is provided for a variety of documentary formats—ranging from theatrical documentaries to documentary series and TV formats, as well as short films and international co-productions.

Creative Europe

The Creative Europe Desk NRW provides information and advice on all funding opportunities offered by Creative Europe MEDIA and Cross Sector, including those for films, series, games, and XR projects.

Creative Europe MEDIA →

Application Portal

Submit a Funding Application Online

Have you found the right grant and checked all the requirements? You can submit your grant application digitally through our application portal.

Go to the Application Portal →

Events

  • GERMAN MIP COCKTAIL

    A get-together for producers and broadcasters from the TV industry to discuss new developments, exchange ideas, and launch projects. In cooperation with MBB.

  • FMS @ iEmmys

    New York, New York! Every year, the FMS sends a delegation from North Rhine-Westphalia to the International Emmys in New York to represent the state there.

    Atmosphere at the 53rd International Emmy® Awards, November 24, 2025 in New York City.

  • Wim Wenders Grant

    Once a year, Wim Wenders and the FMS seek out the most innovative film ideas. After the pitching phase, we invite the scholarship recipients to the award ceremony and connect them with experts.

News: News on Documentary Films

FMS-Funded Documentaries

The Unbreakables

Production and Distribution Funding

150,000 €
Director:
Torsten Körner
Screenplay:
Torsten Körner
Production:
Broadview Pictures
Broadcaster Participation:
ZDF, 3sat
Distribution:
Majestic Film Distribution
Lead Actresses:
Herta Däubler-Gmelin, Ingrid Matthäus-Maier, Rita Süssmuth, Christa Nickels, and others

Petra Kelly – ACT NOW!

Production and Distribution Funding

200,000 €
Director:
Doris Metz
Screenplay:
Doris Metz
Production:
Bildersturm Film Production
Broadcaster Participation:
rbb, ARTE, BR
Distribution:
Real Fiction Film Distribution
World Distribution:
New Docs

Riefenstahl

Production Funding

200,000 €
Director:
Andres Veiel
Screenplay:
Andres Veiel
Production:
Vincent Productions
Producer:
Sandra Maischberger
Broadcasters:
WDR, SWR, NDR, BR, rbb
Distributor:
Majestic Film Distribution
International Distribution:
Beta Cinema

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