Deadline: October 07, 2025
The Thuthuka program supports the development and production of feature films, feature-length documentaries, and animated films with South African and Dutch content, aiming for high cinematic quality and international audience appeal.
Thuthuka focuses on the development and production of feature films, feature-length documentaries, and animated films with South African and Dutch content, which have the potential to be of high cinematic quality and appeal to a large cinema and film festival audience in both countries and beyond. The films are intended for cinema release and are created as equal co-productions.
Thuthuka offers support in two main phases: development and realization. During the development phase, producers of a majority Dutch feature film, feature-length documentary, or animated film can apply to the Netherlands Film Fund for funding to write a script and pitch book. Each year, up to four projects—two from the Netherlands and two from South Africa—are selected. Selected teams also participate in workshops and networking opportunities. Majority South African productions can apply for development funding through the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
The realization phase allows projects that have successfully completed development to pitch for production funding. A maximum of four projects per pitch round can be presented, and up to one project is selected to receive a realization contribution. This ensures that projects maintain their original vision while meeting high production standards.
The program is open to production companies that have been established for at least two years and have experience producing and exploiting films or audiovisual content. Dutch applicants must represent a production company based in the Netherlands, an EU or EEA member state, or Switzerland, and must have previously produced a cinema-released feature film, long documentary, or animated film. South African applicants must submit through the NFVF.
Funding contributions vary by phase and film type. Development contributions can reach up to €40,000, including producer fees, screenwriter contributions, coaching, and translation costs. For the realization phase, feature films may receive up to €250,000, and documentaries up to €100,000 from the Netherlands Film Fund, with an equal contribution from the NFVF in South African Rand. Contributions cover the costs associated with producing an international co-production.
Eligibility conditions emphasize the creative partnership between South Africa and the Netherlands. Development funding is available only for new film plans with a committed South African co-producer and screenwriter, and core team members must not be involved in other Thuthuka projects. Realization funding requires a completed development phase, an attached director, and production in accordance with the South Africa–Netherlands co-production agreement.
Thuthuka encourages projects that are primarily aimed at theatrical release and have the potential to reach audiences in both countries, ensuring strong creative collaboration and high-quality cinematic outcomes.
For more information, visit Netherlands Film Fund.
