Thuthuka

Thuthuka focuses on the development and production of feature films, feature-length documentaries, or animated films with content related to South Africa and the Netherlands. These films have the potential to be of high cinematographic quality and appeal to a wide audience in cinemas and film festivals in both countries and beyond. The films are intended for theatrical release and are produced as equal co-productions.

Development

Producers of a majority Dutch feature film, feature-length documentary, or animated film can apply for a development grant from the Film Fund to write a script and create a pitch book. Each year, up to 4 projects (2 from the Netherlands and 2 from South Africa) are selected for a grant. Additionally, the teams of the selected projects participate in workshops and are given opportunities to expand their networks.

Majority South African productions can submit an application to the NFVF.

Production

Teams that have successfully completed the Thuthuka development phase with their project are invited to the corresponding pitch round of the scheme. A maximum of 4 projects (2 from the Netherlands and 2 from South Africa) can be pitched. Each round, up to 1 project is selected, for which a production grant from Thuthuka can be requested.

Thuthuka Focuses On:

• Dutch producers with a script in development for a majority Dutch film production, involving a South African co-producer and a South African writer; and

• South African producers with a script in development for a majority South African film production, involving a Dutch co-producer and a Dutch writer.

For a majority Dutch filmproduction: A production company (a legal entity, so not a sole trader or partnership firm) that has been based in the Netherlands, a member state of the EU, EEA or Switzerland for at least two years and has been producing and exploiting films and other audiovisual productions on a continuing basis.

The production company will be represented by a producer who as majority producer has had main responsibility for the realization of at least one feature film, long documentary or animated film in the same category as the application with a cinema release in the Netherlands.

An application for a majority South African film production will be submitted to the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) by a production company based in South Africa (for further information contact Terrence Khumalo).

Development:

• Up to €40,000

• This amount includes a 15% producer’s fee & overhead on the total development costs deemed eligible by the Fund, including contributions to the writer and potential costs for coaching and translation.

Production:

• Feature Film: Up to €250,000 from the Netherlands Film Fund.

• Documentary: Up to €100,000 from the Netherlands Film Fund.

• The NFVF will provide an equivalent contribution in ZAR via the South African co-producer.

The production grant includes allowances for the realization of an international co-production.

Eligibility Criteria for Funding:

Development:

• The project must be a film plan for a scenario for a majority Dutch feature-length documentary (> 70 min) or (animated) feature film (> 80 min) by a South African writer.

• The creative partnership between the Netherlands and South Africa must be central to the project.

• A writer and a co-producer from South Africa must be committed to the film plan with written agreements.

• The film plan must be new and not have previously received (development) funding from the NFVF or the Netherlands Film Fund.

• None of the core team members (producer, co-producer, writer, director) should be involved in another project within the Thuthuka program at the time of application.

• The film production must be primarily intended for theatrical release. The project’s ability to reach audiences in both countries will be evaluated based on its content.

Production:

• The film production must have received a development grant from Thuthuka.

• A director must be attached to the project.

• The team must have successfully completed the Thuthuka development phase, including delivering the pitch book and fully developing the script.

• The project must have participated in the Thuthuka production pitch.

• The film production must have been selected by the advisory committee during the pitch round.

• The unique aspects of the film plan, as outlined in the development application, must remain unchanged throughout the development phase.

• The film production must comply with the co-production treaty between South Africa and the Netherlands. Read the treaty here.

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

Development Application

The application is reviewed by a joint advisory committee consisting of representatives from the NFVF and the Netherlands Film Fund.

Pitch

During the pitch, a joint advisory committee selects one project that may then submit a production application.

Production Application

The Subsidy Department and the Production Department assess the production-related business aspects of the application.

Based on Article 3 of the General Regulations, the director/manager makes the decision on the application during both the development and production phases.

We aim to inform applicants in writing about the decision within 8 weeks of submission, which is well within the applicable timeframe.

A grant award from one of the funds does not guarantee approval for any subsequent applications.

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