Post-Production Funding for Documentaries
We support documentary films during the final production phase—from editing and sound to other post-production activities.
Is this funding right for me?
First, please check whether you meet the eligibility criteria. There are two funding tracks for screenplay grants—one is aimed at large, established productions, while the other is also open to independent productions.
a) High-Budget Productions
Funding for post-production activities for documentary films with a specific connection to North Rhine-Westphalia.
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Post-production of film and television projects
Funding is available for post-production activities for feature films and television projects.
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No prior production funding
Funding is available if the project has not yet received production funding from the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW.
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Projects that have already received production funding
Projects that have already been awarded production funding in accordance with the funding guidelines are generally excluded from this funding.
b) Low-Budget Productions (Simplified Funding)
Post-production funding for documentary films of 79 minutes or longer for directors from North Rhine-Westphalia.
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Directors from North Rhine-Westphalia
Only directors from North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to apply. Co-productions are only permitted with producers and production companies from North Rhine-Westphalia.
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New Projects
Funding is provided for new projects. The film that is the subject of the application must not have previously received production funding from Germany.
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Rough Cut
A rough cut of the film must be submitted with the application.
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Rough Cut and Secured Production Financing
To apply, you must submit, among other things, a rough cut as well as details regarding the financing of the production phase and post-production.
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Financing and Budget Planning
The application must include a cost estimate and financing plan for both the production and post-production phases.
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Maximum Grant Amount and Applicant’s Contribution
The maximum grant amount is 40,000 euros and is provided as a grant. The grant may not exceed 80 percent of the total production costs. The grant amount must be spent in North Rhine-Westphalia to the greatest extent possible. At least 5 percent of the estimated costs must be covered by the applicant’s own funds. Own funds include cash, as well as reserves and provisions.
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No Students
Students are not eligible to apply. A separate funding opportunity is available for graduation film projects.
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No Eligibility Outside NRW
Only directors from North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to apply.
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Projects may not begin before the application is submitted
The project may not begin until after the application has been submitted.
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No resubmissions
Post-production funding may be applied for only once; a second submission is not permitted.
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No Prior Rejection in Regular Funding
Projects that have been rejected under the regular funding program cannot be submitted under a comparable simplified funding category.
Schedule an appointment
Contacts for Post-Production Funding for Documentaries
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Ivana Lalovic
Documentary Film Specialist
![Portraitbild von Ivana Lalovic]()
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Nazgol Majlessi
Speaker
![Portraitbild von Nazgol Majlessi]()
Application via the Application Portal
As soon as it is confirmed that your project meets the requirements of the funding program, we will activate your access to the application portal. There, you can submit your application along with all required documents.
