Distribution Funding

We support the distribution of feature films and enhance their visibility and screening opportunities on movie screens in North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond.

Submission Dates Film Funding Committee:

Submission Dates Simplified Jury for Distribution and Marketing Funding:

Is this funding right for me?

First, please check whether you meet the funding criteria. The distribution grant is intended for distribution and marketing companies that wish to bring films to theaters and to market. In addition to the regular distribution and marketing grant, there is also the option of a simplified grant. Which funding route is appropriate depends on the requirements of your project.

a) High-Budget Productions

Funding for distribution initiatives for culturally sophisticated films of particular interest to North Rhine-Westphalia.

  • Distribution Companies

    Distribution companies are eligible to apply.

  • Culturally significant films

    Funding is provided for films of particular cultural or economic interest to North Rhine-Westphalia.

  • Films for Children and Youth

    Special consideration is also given to films for children and youth, as well as projects aimed at promoting European film culture.

  • Funding of up to 50%

    Funding is provided in the form of a conditionally repayable, interest-free loan and generally amounts to up to 50% of the costs.

  • NRW Effect

    At least the amount of the grant must be spent in North Rhine-Westphalia—to the extent that this is technically feasible and economically reasonable.

  • Missing Consultation

    A consultation is required before submitting an application.

Service Center

Download Förderleitlinien der Film und Medienstiftung NRW Gmb H (pdf, 268,91 KB ) Download Merkblatt zu Prüfgebühren der Pw C (pdf, 11,83 KB ) Download Ansprechpartner Innen der PWC (pdf, 378,71 KB )

b) Low-Budget Productions (Simplified Funding)

Funding for the release of culturally sophisticated film projects under the simplified distribution funding program.

  • Culturally sophisticated film projects with a connection to North Rhine-Westphalia

    Funding is provided for culturally significant film projects with a connection to North Rhine-Westphalia.

  • Low-Budget Projects

    Funding focuses on low-budget projects.

  • Filmbüro NRW Jury

    The jury is appointed by Filmbüro NW e. V. for each session.

  • Genre-Neutral Funding

    Funding is provided for the distribution of documentary, feature, experimental, and animated films.

  • Non-commercial projects

    Funding is provided for projects that do not necessarily have to be part of a commercial distribution context from the outset.

  • Grant Funding

    Funding is provided in the form of a grant.

  • Production Costs Exceeding 75,000 Euros

    The estimated production costs must not exceed 75,000 euros.

  • No students

    Students are not eligible to apply for this type of funding.

Service Center

Download Förderleitlinien der Film und Medienstiftung NRW Gmb H (pdf, 268,91 KB ) Download Merkblatt zu Prüfgebühren der Pw C (pdf, 11,83 KB ) Download Ansprechpartner Innen der PWC (pdf, 378,71 KB ) Download Förderleitlinien der Film und Medienstiftung NRW Gmb H (pdf, 268,91 KB ) Download Merkblatt zu Prüfgebühren der Pw C (pdf, 11,83 KB ) Download Ansprechpartner Innen der PWC (pdf, 378,71 KB )

Application Documents

Go to the application portal →
  • Distribution plan with marketing strategy and advertising plan
  • License Agreement
  • Distribution program or company profile
  • Information about the film, including a synopsis and cast and crew, and a press kit if applicable
  • Cost estimate, including the NRW effect and other regional effects
  • Financing plan
  • Current extract from the commercial register
  • Screening materials

Schedule an appointment

A consultation is required before submitting an application.

For the consultation: Please send your appointment request via email, along with a one-page summary of the project and, for first-time contact, your resume and filmography, to the responsible program officer.

Contact person for distribution funding

The Selection Process

Submitted projects are evaluated by different committees depending on the funding track. The Film Funding Committee decides on regular distribution and marketing funding. For Simplified Funding, a decision is made by an independent funding committee, which is reconstituted for each funding session upon the recommendation of Filmbüro NW e. V. and consists of industry experts.

About the Film Funding Committee → About the Simplified Funding & Distribution Jury →

News: News from the FMS

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