Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) Requirements and Online Application

The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) is a public entity under the Gauteng Provincial Government that supports the film and television industry in Gauteng. 

Its core mission is to build a world-class audiovisual sector in the province by developing talent, supporting content production, and stimulating economic growth.

GFC funding is not a traditional student bursary only. 

Instead, the commission provides skills development grants, internships, mentorship, and production-support funding to emerging filmmakers, students, and content creators.

Eligibility for GFC Skills Development Funding

To access GFC’s skills development funding, you generally need to meet these criteria:

1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Be based in Gauteng Province, or your training must take place in Gauteng.
3. Apply as an individual learner (student) or through an accredited training provider.
4. Demonstrate financial need, where your (or your parents’) gross income is less than R 600 000 per annum, according to GFC’s funding criteria.
5. Show academic performance or relevant training potential. GFC rates applicants based on prior results or competence.

GFC’s funding policy uses a tier system for different levels of filmmakers:

• Tier 1 — experienced filmmakers with several feature films produced
• Tier 2 — limited-experience filmmakers with some production experience
• Tier 3 — new entrants, including film-school graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds

What the GFC Funding Covers

GFC provides several forms of support:

1. Skills development: This includes accredited training, non-accredited workshops/masterclasses, and script-writing funding.
2. Internships: GFC offers in-house 12-month internships, as well as host placements with partner organisations.
3. Production funding: The commission supports production of feature films, short films, documentaries, and digital content.
4. Enterprise development: Support for production companies or creative businesses, including start-up equipment funding.
5. Mentorship: Emerging filmmakers are mentored through writing and directing workshops, including 48-hour film project partnerships.

Specifically for student or learner bursary-style support:

1. Tuition-equivalent support: For “Gauteng Province Under & Postgraduate” learners, the funding cap is R 90,000 per learner in GFC’s current funding policy.
2. Masterclasses (non-accredited): Funding up to R 50,000 per person.
3. Accredited training: Up to R 100,000 for accredited providers.

Gauteng Film Commission Application Process

1. Call for proposals: GFC announces funding calls (for skills, production, enterprise) on its website.
2. Apply via the online portal: Applications must be submitted through GFC’s funding portal. Late applications are not accepted.
3. Adjudication: Independent adjudicators review applications based on concept strength, originality, financial planning, capacity, and alignment with GFC’s transformation goals.
4. Contract signing: If approved, beneficiaries must sign a funding contract within 15 calendar days.
5. Milestone payments: Payments are made in tranches based on agreed deliverables in the project plan.

Gauteng Film Commission Closing Dates / Funding Cycles

GFC publishes special project funding calls. For example, a 2026–2026 Special Projects call was recently open.

The exact application window usually lasts 14 to 30 days, depending on the call.

There is no annual bursary closing date for individual student bursaries, since funding depends on GFC’s call-based model.

Gauteng Film Commission Contact Details

For queries about GFC funding or skills development:

• Address: 35 Rissik Street, Surrey House, 1st Floor, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
• Postal Address: P.O. Box 61601, Marshalltown, 2107.
• Phone: +27 11 833 0409.
• Email: info@gautengfilm.org.za. 
• Website: https://gauteng-film-commision.grantplatform.com/

FAQs