National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is a statutory public entity of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The NFVF exists to support the equitable growth of the South African film and video industry, funding the development, production, marketing and distribution of films and helping filmmakers market their work internationally.

Registered name

National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)

Type

Statutory public entity (Department of Sport, Arts and Culture)

Fields funded

Film and television qualifications

Website

nfvf.co.za

More than a funder

The NFVF also commissions research and produces industry statistics, promotes South African film and television audiences, and develops talent and skills, with special emphasis on previously disadvantaged groups. The NFVF supports national film festivals, takes part in roadshows, and runs the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).

How the NFVF funds films

The NFVF funds fiction and documentary films in development and production, short films, TV concepts and pilots. For films in development, the NFVF funds feature films and TV concepts up to R200 000 each, and documentaries and short films up to R100 000. For production, feature films can receive up to R1.2 million, and documentaries, short films and TV pilots up to R200 000. Funding can take the form of a grant, investment or loan.

After the COVID-19 lockdown, National Treasury entrusted R140 million to the NFVF for the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, of which R105 million was paid to 213 beneficiaries.

An industry with a track record

The NFVF points out that South Africa has one of the oldest film industries in the world. South African productions and crews have worked on award-winning films such as Tsotsi, Yesterday, U-Carmen eKhayelitsha, District 9 and Invictus, and co-production treaties connect local producers with international studios.

The NFVF bursary

The NFVF funds national and international bursaries, and grants to organisations offering audio-visual training. The bursary pays full tuition for film and television diplomas and degrees, at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and gives first-year students up to R50 000 for accommodation, meals and resources such as computers and software. Applicants need at least a 60% average and household income below R600 000. The 2027 round closed on 31 August 2026, and applications are online only.

How to research the NFVF

Read the NFVF’s industry statistics to understand which careers are growing, such as animation and visual effects. Build a small portfolio of short films or scripts before the 2028 round opens around July 2027, and confirm your course falls in the film and television category.

See our film production bursaries list.