Service

Short Film Funding

ATTENTION: In mid-December 2024, a new German Film Law was passed, which came into force on January 1, 2025. The associated transitional guideline D.6 (in German) has also come into effect.
IMPORTANT: Reference points can no longer be collected with the FBW rating!

Empfang mit Personen. Im Hintergrund sind die Logos von Förderern und German Films zu sehen. © AG Kurzfilm

Short film funding in Germany is shaped by the federal system and happens on several levels: the federal government and the states each offer specific funding programs for short films. These range from automated reference funding and project funding to targeted measures for talented filmmakers.

Quick start:

Federal Film Funding

Since January 1, 2025, the Filmförderungsanstalt FFA has been independently responsible for implementing film funding programs at the federal level under its umbrella: film funding in accordance with the amended German Film Law (FFG 2025), the jury-based cultural film funding program of the federal government, the German Film Fund (DFFF) and the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF). As the federal film funding agency, the FFA accepts applications for funding via the newly introduced service portal, where each applicant must register with an account.

Reference Film Funding

The FFA supports producers of short films and non-feature-length children's films through retrospective funding, known as reference film funding. These are grants that can be used to produce new projects. Funding is automated on the basis of reference points. Further details, information, and contact persons can be found in the PDFs or on the FFA website.

PDF: Reference Funding FFG
PDF: Guideline D.6 (incl. Festival List)

Jury-based Cultural Film Funding

On behalf of the German federal government, the FFA awards project-based funding for artistically outstanding short films up to 30 minutes in length. All forms are eligible for funding, including animation and experimental film, provided they have a “significant German cultural influence.” Funding amounts to up to €40,000 and is awarded twice a year (in July and September) based on a jury decision. Applications must be submitted via the FFA service portal before filming begins. Short films are exempt from the minimum ecological standards.

Further information and contact details can be found on the FFA website.

Kuratorium junger deutscher Film

As part of the reform of federal film funding, production funding for talent films will be created by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM). The Kuratorium jundger Deutscher Film will be responsible for implementing this funding. The funding is intended for short films as well as feature-length fiction, documentary, and children's films. Due to budgetary constraints, the launch of talent funding by the Kuratorium junger Deutscher Film has been delayed. As a transitional measure, applications can be submitted to the FFA until the end of the provisional budget period in 2025. The FFA has been fully responsible for the jury-based cultural film funding of the federal government since January 1, 2025.

Further information and contact details can be found on the website of the Kuratorium junger Deutscher Film.

Earmarked Prize Money

Film awards can also be a form of funding if they come with prize money that has to be used for a specific purpose. This money is not just for general recognition, but has to be invested in a new film project. Some of the most important awards with project-related prize money are the German Short Film Award (BKM) and the Short Tiger Short Film Award (FFA).

  • German Short Film Award
    The Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) awards the German Short Film Prize annually on the recommendation of a jury. A total of €255,000 is awarded each year for nominations and the film prizes in gold, with an additional €20,000 for the best medium-length film. The prizes are earmarked for the production, project development, or project preparation of a new film of artistic quality.
    Further information is available on our website and on the BKM website.

  • Short Tiger Award
    Short films with a length of up to seven minutes that are particularly suitable for screening as supporting films in cinemas were eligible to apply for the SHORT TIGER AWARD. Up to five films will be awarded €5,000 each, earmarked for the preparation or production of a new film.
    Further information is available on our website and on the FFA website.

Regional Film Funders and Cultural Foundations of the States

In addition to federal funding, the federal states also offer funding opportunities for short films.

Regional film funding is usually provided by specialized funding institutions that are directly geared toward the film and media industry. They award funds for the production, development, and often also for the distribution and marketing of films. The focus is often on promoting the regional film industry, creating jobs, and strengthening networks within the film industry. Regional funding is subject to the principle of regional impact. This means that at least 100% of the funding, and usually more, must be spent in the region. In addition, the applicant must be registered in the region, although exceptions are possible and vary from one funding program to another.

Cultural foundations of the states, on the other hand, have a broader cultural mandate and support various art forms, including film, but also visual arts, music, theater, and literature. Their film funding is often aimed at artistically ambitious or experimental projects that are not necessarily commercially oriented. Funding can be project-based or institutional and often aims to support cultural diversity and innovation.

List of Film Funders