Cape Town Film Office Announces Funding Support for Filmmakers

Cape Town has positioned itself once more as a burgeoning hub for film and media production with the City's Film Office's recent announcement. In an innovative move to bolster the local film industry, the Film Office is now inviting filmmakers to apply for funding for projects that will be produced in Cape Town during the 2024/25 financial year.

The newly established Film Support Fund is set to provide crucial financing and municipal services support to qualifying film projects. Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, emphasized that support extends across a wide variety of productions including short films, feature films, music videos, commercials, and Reality TV series.

Smith explained that the primary objective of the fund is to stimulate local economic growth and create job opportunities that span the complete value chain of film and media production. One of the key criteria for the selection of projects will be their potential to drive local economic development and contribute to the City's efforts of becoming an attractive investment destination.

The fund also places significant importance on developing the emerging film talent within Cape Town by backing projects that offer upskilling and training initiatives. This aligns with the City’s vision to provide continual support to the film sector which currently facilitates over 30,000 jobs and attracts significant investment to the region.

Smith stated that beyond the financial aspect, the City also seeks to enhance Cape Town's international appeal to the film industry, which has been gravitating towards other film-friendly territories. "We would like to encourage members of the local television, media, and film sectors to make use of this resource that enables them to focus on the creative and storytelling," Smith said.

The call for submissions outlines the criteria for funding consideration. Projects that stimulate local economic and job growth, highlight and promote the unique aspects of Cape Town, upskill emerging local talent in the film sector, and those that foster sustainability, diversity, and inclusion within the film landscape will be given priority.

Moreover, projects that authentically portray Cape Town’s rich history and cultural heritage, and the potential to attract direct investment, will also be of significant interest.

The Film Support Fund by the City's Film Office is a milestone for the Capetonian creative industry, signaling a robust commitment to not only lowering production costs for filmmakers but also to ensuring the City remains a preferred destination for international film work.

The call from Cape Town's Film Office is thus a clear indication of the City's determination to strengthen its position on the global cinematic map while nurturing local talent and boosting its economy.