The eThekwini Municipality’s Durban Film Office (DFO) is pleased to announce the opening of its 2025/2026 Call for Submissions for both the Micro Budget Film Fund and the Development Fund. These funding opportunities are part of the DFO’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local filmmaking talent, supporting diverse storytelling, and growing a vibrant film industry in Durban.
MICRO BUDGET FILM FUND
The Micro Budget Film Programme aims to support emerging filmmakers and encourage the production of locally developed content that contributes to the growth of the film industry. The programme seeks to cultivate a “Made-for-TV” film model that is cost-effective, practical, and commercially viable.
The Durban Film Office defines an “emerging filmmaker” as an individual who has already produced a work that has gained public or industry attention and aspires to write, direct, or produce feature-length films.
Through this fund, three successful applicants will each receive R350,000.00 towards the production of a feature-length film.
A comprehensive Micro Budget Film Fund Fact Sheet, detailing the overview of the programme, eligibility and submission criteria, evaluation process, and contractual agreement, is available on the Durban Film Office website: www.durbanfilmoffice.co.za.
Application link: https://forms.office.com/r/XpiH4KHATQ
DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Durban Film Office Development Fund is designed to support intermediate to experienced producers based in eThekwini who are developing feature fiction or documentary projects for the local and/or international market.
The programme will provide grant funding for two eThekwini-based film projects per year, offering up to R250,000.00 per project towards the development phase.
A detailed Development Fund Fact Sheet is available on the Durban Film Office website, outlining the programme overview, eligibility and submission criteria, evaluation process, and contractual details: www.durbanfilmoffice.co.za.
Application link: https://forms.office.com/r/3AL5kPcmsF
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Key Dates and Contact Information
Applications open: 08 October 2025 Deadline: 14 November 2025 at 16h00 * No late applications will be accepted. *
For enquiries, contact:
Nosipho Hlophe – nosipho.hlophe@durban.gov.za
and/or
Fezile Peko – fezile.peko@durban.gov.za Tel: 031 311 4243
