Deadline Date: January 13, 2026
The Dutch Film Fund is now accepting applications for its Long Documentary Production program to support the creation of original and distinctive documentary films that demonstrate boldness, originality, and strong storytelling.
The program seeks projects that spark the imagination and tell relevant stories for Dutch audiences, while embracing a wide range of perspectives, narrative styles, and genres. Both experienced and emerging filmmakers are encouraged to apply, reflecting a commitment to diversity and creative freedom.
Selected projects may receive a production contribution of up to €275,000 per documentary. This amount includes earmarked funding for audio description and subtitling, ensuring accessibility for visually and hearing-impaired audiences across all platforms. In addition to the main contribution, further support may be granted upon request before the implementation agreement, depending on the project’s needs.
Additional funding opportunities include support for developing an impact or outreach plan, sales deliveries such as an international press kit, and extraordinary marketing and promotional activities. These contributions are intended to strengthen a film’s reach, visibility, and audience engagement, both nationally and internationally.
Projects must meet several key conditions to be eligible. The producer must operate independently as a cultural entrepreneur, and the subsidy must be essential to the project’s financial feasibility. Applications are only accepted for projects that are in or before the start of production, with a realistic financing plan that clearly outlines potential and confirmed funding sources. The application must also include a completed script, a clear release vision, and a director’s vision detailing the intended audiovisual style and format.
Applications can be submitted by independent production companies that have been established for at least two years in the Netherlands, another EU or EEA country, or Switzerland. These companies must be actively producing and distributing audiovisual works. The application must be represented by a producer with primary responsibility for at least one feature-length documentary previously released in the Netherlands, and the producer may not be the same individual as the documentary’s director.
This program offers a significant opportunity for documentary filmmakers to realize ambitious, high-quality projects while reaching broad and diverse audiences through strong creative, financial, and distribution support.
For more information, visit Dutch Film Fund.
