Short format

We support short-form film projects—from fictional and documentary short films to new forms of serial storytelling.

Types of Funding: What stage is the project in?

Production

Five Facts About Short Film Funding

Short Formats, Powerful Stories

We support short audiovisual formats that tell their stories in a focused way while creating space for distinctive styles, new ideas, and unique narrative approaches.

Short-Form Content in Creative Development

Through Creative Development, we support the creation of high-quality fictional short-form content and vertical dramas early in the project phase. Short-form content is one of the funding priorities for 2026/2027.

Opportunities for Fictional and Documentary Short Films

The short film funding program offers filmmakers from North Rhine-Westphalia the opportunity to realize both fictional and documentary short film projects.

Focus on Talents and New Voices

Short-form films provide a platform for emerging talent, new perspectives, and creative experimentation, and enable filmmakers to further develop their own narrative and visual styles.

Designed for a variety of distribution channels

From classic short films to vertical dramas, short formats are created for diverse target audiences, narrative styles, and distribution channels.

grants: NRW Web Video Grant

www.creatorcollege.nrw →

Through the NRW Web Video Grant, the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW has been supporting young web video creators in further developing their formats and channels since 2014. Since 2020, the grant has been part of the Creator College NRW (CCNRW).

As part of the program, nine creators or creator teams from NRW receive support in the form of a boot camp, five advanced seminars, and a grant of 6,000 euros each. Experienced web video creators and industry experts guide the participants as mentors and instructors.

The program is aimed at web video creators aged 18 and older who already run their own YouTube channel. Participation in the boot camp and all advanced seminars is mandatory.

The next application deadline for Creator College NRW will be announced at a later date.

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 Short Films

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