DW Akademie 2022 Film Development Fund for East African Filmmakers

We want to support creatives in developing film projects who may otherwise struggle to get their voices heard and their stories told and thus contribute to social change and freedom of expression. 

• Table of Content
• About DW Akademie
• DW Akademie Film Development Fund
• Aim and Benefits of DW Akademie Film Development Fund
• Requirements for DW Akademie Film Development Fund Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for DW Akademie Film Development Fund
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About DW Akademie

We believe that independent media and responsible journalism are essential worldwide. Given Germany's history, we believe that people should be able to freely express their views and have access to independent sources of information. We consider this to be an important prerequisite for peace and democracy.

DW Akademie Film Development Fund

Aim and Benefits of DW Akademie Film Development Fund

We offer filmmakers a combination of financial support (maximum 10,000€) for the development of projects up to production stage and a tailor-made training program.

Requirements for DW Akademie Film Development Fund Qualification

To be able to apply, you must fulfill two main eligibility requirements:

• Be a citizen and a permanent resident of the country for which the call for application is open. If you are from the country but live in the diaspora, you are unfortunately not eligible.
• Have a track record as a filmmaker. This means that we require that you have released at least one production either internationally or locally (e.g., theatrical release, screening in a national or international festival, TV broadcast, digital third-party broadcast, streaming/VOD).  This can also be a short film.

Interview date, Process and Venue for DW Akademie Film Development Fund

What is being supported?

Eligible formats are narrative, documentary or hybrid feature-length films (at least 60 minutes) currently in development.  

The fund focuses on the development stage of a film’s overall production. This is the phase for creating ideas, writing screenplays, acquiring financing, contracting rights, etc.  

Development activities eligible for funding include, but are not limited to: work on a screenplay; research (travel); production of a mood reel; participation in labs (lab and travel fees); acquiring financing for production (work on further funding applications, travel to festivals, etc.); location and/or character/protagonist scouting, etc.  

Is my project eligible to receive support?

Your project is eligible to receive support if:

• It is a narrative, documentary or hybrid feature film (more than 60 minutes).
• It is currently in development

If you are unsure whether your planned activities are eligible for funding, please contact DW Akademie: [email protected]

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit DW Akademie website.