by Thinus Ferreira
The City of Cape Town's Film Office has again opened applications for its Film Support Fund, for 2026, to provide financial support for various film projects done in Cape Town.
This is the third year that Film Cape Town will fund various productions in and around the city of Cape Town since the fund started in 2024.
Filmmakers have until 31 May 2026 to apply for funding with submissions that must be for productions that will be completed in the 2026/2027 financial year, meaning between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.
The aim of Cape Town's Film Support Fund is to support productions that help to drive local economic development and create job opportunities within the film and media sector and that will build and strengthen Cape Town’s emerging talent base through upskilling and training.
"This is the third call of the film fund and marks a significant step in the city’s continued commitment to strengthening Cape Town’s film and media industry," says Alderman JP Smith, the mayoral committee member for safety and security.
"Building on the success of previous rounds, we are proud to further support a sector that continues to play a vital role in attracting investment and strengthening Cape Town's position as a leading global production hub."
"The strong performance of last year's funded projects is a testament to the impact of this initiative, with productions gaining both local and international traction. This includes Wild Waterfront – a finalist at the 2026 International Tourism Film Festival Africa taking place in June."
"We look forward to supporting a new wave of projects that will continue to elevate Cape Town's presence."
The film fund is able to evaluate applications that can show how it will stimulate local economic growth and create jobs within Cape Town and that will highlight and promote the unique aspects of the city.
Projects must support and upskill emerging talent in the film and media sector within Cape Town, drive sustainability, diversity, and inclusion within the local film and media landscape, and also portray Cape Town's rich history and cultural heritage authentically.
Furthermore, projects must have a capacity to attract direct investment into Cape Town.
According to the fund, film projects that can be considered for funding include production, post-production funding for short films, feature films such as animation, interactive gaming, live-action music videos, commercials, and reality TV series.
Ineligible projects and exclusions are adult content, training videos or corporate videos, current affairs or news shows, as well as buying of equipment/assets.
The Film Support application form, Project Plan form and the documents checklist is on the City of Cape Town's website and completed applications must be emailed to Film.Fund@capetown.gov.za before 31 May 2026.
