Deadline Date: June 09, 2026
The New Dawn Funding Scheme 2026 supports a more vibrant, open, and inclusive film industry by providing additional production funding to amplify underrepresented voices and diverse perspectives in filmmaking.
The initiative focuses on diversity of perspectives, underrepresented voices, authentic storytelling, artistic innovation, multifaceted film expression, inclusive film production, creator-driven perspectives, cultural relevance, and the development of networks for emerging filmmakers.
New Dawn is a collaborative initiative of public film funds that seeks to create greater opportunities for talented filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. The program aims to ensure that a wider range of voices and perspectives are represented within the film industry while encouraging original and authentic cinematic works.
Applications can only be submitted by independent production companies that are legally established and continuously engaged in film production and exploitation within one of the participating New Dawn countries. Eligible projects include feature-length live-action fiction films, documentaries, and animated films with a minimum runtime of 60 minutes intended for audiences in cinemas, at home, or internationally.
To qualify, projects must be the first or second feature-length film by the director and must have already received selective production support based on artistic quality from one of the participating film funds. Fiction and animated films must be in development or pre-production at the time of application, with principal photography scheduled after submission. At least half of the project financing must be secured before applying.
The program provides additional non-recoupable production support of up to €200,000 for feature fiction and animated films and up to €100,000 for feature-length documentaries. Selected New Dawn projects that are invited to an A-list film festival may also apply for promotional support. There are no territorial spending obligations attached to the grant, and recipients must use the funding exclusively for production costs.
Applications are assessed by an international advisory committee that evaluates the creator’s voice and perspective, the project’s contribution to new or underrepresented viewpoints, artistic quality, innovation, contextual relevance, and the strength of the joint motivation submitted by the producer, writer, and director. In cases where projects receive equal evaluation scores, preference may be given to projects whose producer, writer, and director come from equity-seeking communities.
The submission deadline for the 2026 funding round is 9 June 2026, with a total available budget of €500,000 for the year.
For more information, visit New Dawn.
