Filmmakers to get outcomes of funding from National Film and Video Foundation sooner than previously stated
Funding outcomes have been brought forward to 15 August 2026, from the previously communicated timeline of September 2026. This announcement was made last night amidst protest by filmmakers unhappy with the delays.
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) last night committed to a new date for completing the adjudication process for filmmakers, bringing the date for the announcement of the results forward, from September to August, 2026.
This development, was announced amidst rumblings by dissatisfied filmmakers, some of whom staged a protest at the head office of the agency in Houghton, Johannesburg this week. This news should bring some level of relief for anxious applicants worried about the delays.
In a statement, the NVF said the following:
“The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), tasked with administering the Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP6) for the audio-visual sector, is pleased to provide an update on the progress of PESP6.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that, following the significant progress made since 3 June 2026 through the effective utilisation of available resources and continued fruitful engagement with industry stakeholders and the NFVF Council, the publication of the PESP6 Stream 1, 2 and 3 funding outcomes has been brought forward to 15 August 2026, from the previously communicated timeline of September 2026. To date, the preliminary application processes have been successfully completed, and the adjudication process for Streams 1, 2 and 3 has concluded.
The Due Diligence process for these streams is commencing on Monday, 13 July 2026. The adjudication process for the Blockbuster projects is also underway, with pitch sessions for compliant projects scheduled to take place from 3 to 7 August 2026. The funding outcomes for the Blockbuster category will be announced separately by September 2026.
The NFVF acknowledges and understands that the unintended delays of the outcomes for PESP6 have ripple effects on applicants. The team is continuing to work tirelessly to expedite the process and remains committed to ensuring the outcomes and funding will be distributed next month.
Despite all the delays and challenges facing the organisation, the NFVF Council and staff remain committed to judiciously executing its mandate of the equitable growth of the South African audiovisual sector.
The high number of 1 787 funding applications received – the highest number of applications received since the inception of PESP – is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the NFVF team and points to a greater need for funding support from all other stakeholders of this sector,” the NFVF said in a statement signed by its Acting Head of Operations, Lerato Mokopanele.