Minority co-productions VAF

The Netherlands Film Fund and the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF) each year support up to four feature films and three documentaries realized in co-production by Dutch and Flemish filmmakers. The aim of the scheme is to strengthen collaboration between the Dutch and Flemish film sectors, for example by stimulating the development of new networks and by continuing existing partnerships.

The scheme focuses on projects with artistic value, originality, urgency, and a high-quality script. In addition, attention is given to creative and technical expenditures in the Netherlands and the release potential of the film in both countries.*

International co-production sharpens the artistic vision of the filmmaker, provides a broader financial base for film projects, and encourages professional knowledge exchange and creative collaboration. The artistic and financial collaboration also has a positive impact on the international visibility of Dutch cinema, film professionals, and the film industry, giving Dutch filmmakers a greater chance of breaking through on the international market.

Previous projects supported under this scheme from Flanders and the Netherlands include Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat by Johan Grimonprez, Close by Lukas Dhont, Het Smelt by Veerle Baetens, and Luka by Jessica Woodworth.

*Projects can be submitted under this scheme a maximum of two times.

The scheme is aimed at minority Dutch co-productions in the categories* of feature film and documentary that have previously received a production grant from the VAF.

Minority Flemish co-productions that have previously received a production grant from the Netherlands Film Fund may submit an application to the VAF.

Eligible projects are those with strong creative contributions from both countries, that have the potential for festival success, and that are likely to appeal to audiences in both countries.

*Animation projects are not eligible. For these, see the scheme Minority Co-productions Feature Films and Documentary.

Applications for production support can be submitted on application dates by the Dutch minority coproduction company (a legal entity, not a one-man business or general partnership) that has been based based in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a member state of the EU or the EEA or Switzerland for at least two years and that produces and exploits films and other audiovisual productions on a continuous basis.

The production company will be represented by the Dutch minority co-producer (click here). This producer will have had prime responsibility as a majority producer for the realisation of:

• a minimum of one (animated) feature film with a theatrical release in the Netherlands (feature film application);
• a minimum of one featured length documentary with a theatrical release in the Netherlands (documentary application).

Feature film:

• Up to €200,000

Documentary:

• Up to €50,000

Each year a maximum of four feature films and three documentaries from each territory are eligible for a realisation contribution.

For the application, it must be demonstrated that:

• The film production has received a production grant from the VAF;
• The total contribution from Dutch funds and market parties to the production of the film amounts to at least 10% of the total production budget;
• The nationwide theatrical release in the country of the majority co-producer is guaranteed by a film distributor or market parties within the local distribution chain;
• The film production will be released in the Netherlands. You must include a written statement signed by a Dutch film distributor with your application;
• The global revenues and any financial contributions from Eurimages and/or other European funding are allocated pro rata to the applicant;
• If you also intend to apply for the Production Incentive, you use the Film Production Incentive budget model for the Dutch expenditures of the selective funding application;
• 100% of the granted Film Fund contribution (for feature films) or 60% (for documentaries) is spent in the Netherlands (cast, crew, etc.).

Requirement

• The financing of a film production must be fully and unconditionally secured by third parties within 18 months of the Film Fund's grant decision.

Applications are assessed according to the general assessment framework set out in Article 5 of the General Regulations.

Projects are evaluated individually and in relation to each other based on their artistic and content quality, as well as their production-business solidity, feasibility, reach, positioning, and release strategy. Additionally, consideration is given to how convincingly they contribute to a diverse and distinctive film offering for a varied audience.

We also aim for a balanced distribution of projects per round in terms of the number of grants awarded, diversity, and budget.

Applications for this scheme can be submitted on the day of the deadline before 17:00 CET.

Applications for production support can be submitted on application dates by the Dutch producer (click here).