IDFA Bertha Fund for Project Development
Deadline Date: June 10, 2024
Donor Name: IDFA Bertha Fund
Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000
Applications are now open for Project Development funding that offers project development support to filmmakers from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
The grant should strengthen the position of the director within the overall setup of the production and should be considered as the director’s contribution to the financing plan. Applications must be submitted by the director.
Documentary films supported by the IBF express the artistic vision of filmmakers, using strong visual treatments to tell compelling stories that can reach a global audience. They take risks on unknown and seasoned filmmakers, supporting their breakthrough from marginalized positions to the most respected platforms. Many IBF-supported films have gone on to win awards across cinema and television.
In addition to the funding schemes, the IBF puts IDFA’s power and reach at the service of its filmmakers. They offer a range of activities to empower filmmakers throughout the creative and production processes, including tailored consultancies, talent development opportunities, and access to IDFA’s markets.
Funding Information
- The maximum development contribution per project is €7,500.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Projects from Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Western Sahara are only accepted when they address political or human rights-related topics within the country itself.
- A project can be submitted only once for each category. There is one exception: if a project was rejected within the Production and Post-production category when it was in production stage, it can be re-submitted only when all filming is completed, the project is in post-production stage ánd there is a rough cut available to submit. A project can be submitted for Project Development and, at a later stage, for Production or Post-production, regardless of whether the initial Project Development submission was successful.
- Entry forms must be filled out in English, with the exception of submissions from French-speaking African countries and Haiti, which have the option to fill out the entry form in French.
- All applicants have the option to submit a short video by the director introducing themselves and explaining their motivation for the project (instead of providing this in written form). If you prefer to make use of this option, the link to the short video can be pasted in the entry form.
- The project must be in line with IDFA’s mission statement. Documentary series or films that are part of a study curriculum are not eligible.
Specific Eligibility for IBF Classic – Project Development
- Applications must be submitted by the director of a project.
- Project Development contributions are granted to the director of a project and can be spent on research, writing, shooting, and producing a visual presentation of the project.
- Requirements for submitted (audio) visual material:
- Submitting original audiovisual material of the project is mandatory. This can be a teaser or selected research material, preferably representative of the style. A photo presentation or material from other resources that serve merely as stylistic example is not accepted.
- Project Development submissions should also be accompanied by one previous work, preferably representative of the filmmaker’s style. This previous film, although required for the jury’s selection process, is viewed only if necessary for decision making during the selection process.
- The material must be in English or have English subtitles.
For more information, visit IDFA Bertha Fund.
