Cape Town: The Film Office of the City of Cape Town has invited filmmakers to apply for support through Film Fund by the city for productions set for completion during the 2025-26 financial year. The Film Fund intends to provide support to a range of productions, which includes short and feature films, music videos, commercials and reality TV series.
It was established to strengthen the position of Cape Town as premier film and media destination, which the fund offers with financial assistance and municipal services to qualifying film and media projects developed in the city.
Reportedly, the fund is geared towards projects that drive local economic growth, generate employment across the film and media value chain and contribute meaningfully to skills development in Cape Town’s emerging creative and talented pool.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that last month they announced the fund’s inaugural recipients and the first phase submissions that delivered some compelling projects telling unique local stories with a deep connection to already thriving film industry of the Cape Town.
Moreover, the Safety and Security team of Cape Town is looking forward to receive more exciting applications for projects with the potential to contribute to further growth of the film industry, driving job creation, attract international clients and promote Cape Town towards a global audience.
It is a valuable sector that contributes greatly to the economy of the Mother City and the fund is an opportunity for Cape Town to provide local filmmakers with much needed support to complete their projects.
The city is considering various projects to support that meet the specific selected criteria by the Film Office, that are as follows:
- The project must drive economic growth and job creation within Cape Town.
- It should promote the distinctive character of the city along with the landscapes and culture.
- They must develop and upskill the emerging talent in the local film and media industry.
- The project should champion sustainability, diversity and inclusion.
- It must celebrate the rich heritage and storytelling tradition of the Cape Town.
- It should have the potential to attract local or foreign investment.
There’s another list of the eligible projects, as per the criteria, which is:
- The production and post-production of short films, feature films, animation, live action and interactive media.
- Music videos, commercials and reality TV series.
- Training programmes and initiatives that build capacity in the film and media sector.
- Innovative projects aligned with the strategic priorities of the City of Cape Town.
- The projects that can be completed within the upcoming municipal financial year beginning from July 01, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
However, the City Film Fund also have some limitations. As it will not support the adult content, corporate or training videos, current affairs or news programming and equipment or asset purchases. The support can only be provided in two major ways only i.e. by direct financial contribution or by sponsored municipal services.