Deadline Date: September 22, 2026
The De Verbeelding scheme is requesting applications to support collaborations between visual artists and film producers to develop and realize predominantly Dutch feature-length films that explore the intersection of visual art and cinema.
The scheme focuses on Dutch feature-length productions created at the intersection of cinematography and the visual arts, with an emphasis on artistic film language, boundary-pushing audiovisual expression, and works with strong potential for selection at international film festivals.
De Verbeelding is designed for projects where films originate primarily from the visual strength of the medium and explore the relationship between visual art practice and cinematic storytelling. It encourages experimental and art-oriented feature-length works that are developed through collaboration between a professional visual artist and an experienced film producer.
The funding structure includes a development grant of up to €25,000 per project, with an additional maximum of 17.5% allowed for overhead and producer’s fee. For the realization stage, projects may receive up to €500,000 per project, with costs for promotion, marketing, accessibility measures such as subtitling and audio description, and related deliverables included within the total contribution.
The application must be jointly developed by a visual artist and a production company, with the producer acting as the main applicant. The visual artist must have at least three years of professional practice within the visual arts field and a demonstrated track record in independent, artistic, or experimental film, while the producer must have substantial experience in producing films with theatrical release and artistic or experimental focus.
The production company must be legally established in the Netherlands, the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and have been active in film production and exploitation for at least two years. The producer and visual artist must be separate individuals, and applicants in ongoing vocational or academic education are not eligible.
The scheme operates in two stages, beginning with a development phase and potentially progressing to realization. In the development stage, selected projects work on shaping the artistic and production concept in preparation for possible full production support.
For more information, visit Netherlands Film Fund.
