The City of Cape Town’s Film Office invites filmmakers to apply for support for their projects. The office is accepting submissions for productions to be completed in the 2024/25 financial year.
The recently established Film Support Fund aims to finance or provide support in the form of municipal services for film projects produced in Cape Town.
The fund will cover short films, feature films, music videos, commercials, and Reality TV series, among others.
It is looking to support productions which will drive local economic development, create job opportunities through the broader film and media production’s value chain.
In addition, the film fund aims to select projects that will support the emerging film and media talent base through upskilling and training initiatives based in Cape Town.
‘With this film fund, the City wants to ensure that we provide further support to an industry that already creates over 30 000 jobs and contributes to attracting direct investment into Cape Town. We believe this film fund has the potential to assist the local film industry to not only reduce the burden of production costs but also to help the sector improve its ability to attract international work currently going to other film territories overseas. We would like to encourage members of the local television, media and film sectors to make use of this resource that enables them to focus on the creative and storytelling,’ said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
The City’s Film Office is seeking projects that align with the following criteria:
· Projects that stimulate local economic growth and create jobs within the City of Cape Town
· Film and media projects that highlight and promote the unique aspects of Cape Town
· Initiatives that support and upskill emerging talent in the film and media sector within Cape Town
· Programmes that drive sustainability, diversity, and inclusion within the local film and media landscape
· Projects that authentically portray Cape Town’s rich history and cultural heritage
· Film and media projects with the capacity to attract direct investment into the City of Cape Town
What kind of projects could Film Cape Town consider supporting?
§ Production, post-production funding for short films, feature films such as animation, interactive gaming, live action
We would also consider:
§ music videos, commercials, reality TV series
§ Film and media training initiatives
§ Film and media projects or innovative projects that are aligned with the City’s strategic objectives
§ Projects that can be honoured within the financial year. The City of Cape Town’s financial year starts annually on 1 July and ends on 30 June
What kind of projects will Film Cape Town not fund?
§ Adult content
§ Training videos or corporate videos
§ Current affairs or news shows
§ Purchasing of equipment/assets
How could Film Cape Town support projects?
§ Through the Film Support Fund or
§ Through sponsoring City services
*Allocation of support dependent on funds available.
Where do I find the application form?
The Film Support Application form, project plan form and the documents checklist will be available to download from the Film Cape Town and the City of Cape Town websites.
Email completed application with supporting documentation to Film.Fund@capetown.gov.za
No hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
More information, FAQs and a comprehensive application criteria is available at filmcapetown.com and the City’s website.
Film Fund submissions are open until 20 October 2024.
