Deadline Date: January 13, 2026
The Dutch Film Fund is seeking applications for the cinema release of a foreign arthouse film or documentary selected at an international film festival in the Netherlands.
The scheme is designed to reduce financial risk and encourage a diverse and culturally rich theatrical offering.
Under this scheme, a project grant of up to €20,000 per film can be requested. The Fund’s contribution is intended as support rather than a loan and therefore does not need to be repaid from operating income. To ensure efficient use of the subsidy, no more than 15% of the granted amount may be allocated to hired personnel and overhead costs.
Applicants are required to demonstrate a strong financial commitment to the release of the film. At least 50% of the budgeted costs for marketing, print, and advertising must be covered by the applicant’s own resources or other confirmed financing, ensuring shared responsibility for the film’s promotional strategy.
A maximum of eight project grants are available each year. The scheme operates through four application rounds annually, with no more than two project grants awarded per round. The total annual subsidy ceiling for this scheme is €160,000, which applies to the combined support for cinema releases of foreign arthouse films and documentaries.
Applications may be submitted by film distributors operating as legal entities, excluding sole proprietorships and general partnerships. Eligible distributors must have been established for at least two years in the Netherlands, another EU member state, the EEA, or Switzerland, and must demonstrate continuous experience in releasing films in Dutch cinemas and movie theaters.
For more information, visit Dutch Film Fund.
