Fund Name

South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive

Agency

the dtic

Type

Grants & Incentives

Sector

Film and Media Production

Summary

The South African Black Filmmakers Incentive is a transformation-focused incentive programme administered by the dtic to develop and support black talent in the South African film and television industry. The programme aims to strengthen industry competitiveness while ensuring that black South African filmmakers have access to meaningful production opportunities and market distribution.

The incentive provides a reimbursable grant of 50% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE), with a maximum grant of R25 million per qualifying project. In addition, the costs for the purchase of key production equipment may qualify once-off under the programme to a maximum cost-sharing incentive of R2 million.

The programme has strict qualification criteria to ensure that black South African citizens hold genuine ownership and creative control. The Director, Producer, and Line Producer must all be black South African citizens credited in their roles. The majority (51%) of Heads of Departments and key personnel must be black South African citizens, and the production company must be at least 75% owned by Black South African citizens.

To participate, applicants must register a Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) incorporated in South Africa, wholly owned by the applicant, dedicated solely to the production. Applications must be submitted and receive an outcome from the dtic before commencing principal photography. A minimum of 20% of qualifying goods and services must be procured from 51% black-owned South African entities.

The programme is aligned with Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy and is designed to facilitate broader participation in the South African economy by Black people, ensuring diversity and inclusion at all levels of ownership and control in film and television production.

Who this is for?

This incentive is available to black South African production companies meeting the following criteria:

  • The production company must be at least 75% owned by Black South African citizens, with the majority playing an active role in the production.
  • The Director must be a Black South African citizen credited in that role.
  • The Producer and Line Producer must be Black South African citizens credited in their roles.
  • The top writer and producer credits must include South African citizens (exclusive or shared collaboration credits).
  • The majority (more than half) of the five highest-paid performers must be South African citizens.
  • The majority (51%) of Heads of Departments (HODs) and key personnel must be black South African citizens.

The programme is specifically designed to address historical imbalances and support emerging and established black filmmakers in South Africa.

What support/funding you can get

  • Main grant: 50% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) as a reimbursable grant.
  • Maximum grant: R25 million per qualifying project.
  • Equipment purchase: Costs for key production equipment may qualify once-off for a maximum cost-sharing incentive of R2 million.

The grant is reimbursable — it is paid after qualifying expenditure has been incurred and verified through a formal claims process.

What you can use it for?

The incentive is applied against Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE), which includes:

  • Costs of principal photography conducted in South Africa
  • Payments to South African cast and crew
  • Local procurement of qualifying goods and services
  • Post-production costs incurred in South Africa
  • Purchase of key production equipment (once-off, up to R2 million cost-sharing)
  • Any other costs qualifying as QSAPE as per the programme guidelines and the Annexure F Qualifying Formats

Key requirements and conditions

Project eligibility requirements:

  • Minimum QSAPE of R500 000 for all qualifying production formats and a minimum of R500 000 for documentaries.
  • At least 80% of principal photography must be filmed in South Africa.
  • At least 14 calendar days of principal photography must be filmed in South Africa.
  • For productions with minimum QSAPE of R50 million, the 80% and 14-day requirements may be waived at the dtic’s discretion.
  • QSAPE must account for at least 75% of the total production budget (TPE).

Creative and ownership criteria:

  • Director must be a black South African citizen.
  • Producer and Line Producer must be black South African citizens.
  • Top writer and producer credits must include South African citizens.
  • Majority of the five highest-paid performers must be South African citizens.
  • Majority (51%) of HODs and key personnel must be black South African citizens.

Mandatory conditions:

  • Applicant must be a black South African production company (at least 75% black-owned).
  • Use of multiple subsidiaries or connected companies as production companies is not allowed.
  • Application must be submitted and approved before project commencement anywhere in the world.
  • If commencing before approval, the project must be fully funded; such projects will not be eligible for milestone payments.
  • Must procure at least 20% of qualifying goods/services from 51% black-owned SA entities operating for at least one year.
  • Where not fully funded, at least 10% of the total production budget must be secured at application stage, with firm commitments and ring-fenced funds in the SPCV bank account.
  • Must provide the dtic with a financial plan and signed contract from financier(s).
  • 100% of budget must be secured prior to commencing principal photography following grant award.
  • Must register a South African SPCV wholly owned by the applicant, dedicated solely to the production.
  • All qualifying payments must be made directly from the SPCV’s primary bank account.

How the application works

  1. Confirm eligibility: verify that the production company is at least 75% black-owned, and that the Director, Producer, and Line Producer are black South African citizens.
  2. Confirm the production meets minimum QSAPE thresholds and filming-in-South-Africa requirements.
  3. Register a Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) in South Africa, wholly owned by the applicant, dedicated solely to this production.
  4. Secure at least 10% of the total production budget (with firm commitments and ring-fenced funds in the SPCV bank account) before applying.
  5. Provide a financial plan and signed contracts from financier(s).
  6. Complete and submit Application Form A to the dtic before commencing production anywhere in the world.
  7. Receive an outcome (provisional approval) from the dtic before commencing principal photography.
  8. Secure 100% of the production budget following the grant award decision and submit proof to the dtic.
  9. Conduct production in accordance with the approved application.
  10. Submit a claim using Form B and Claim Form C with supporting documentation and a Report of Factual Findings (FFR).

What to prepare before you start

  • Proof of black ownership (at least 75% Black South African citizens with active roles in the production)
  • Identity documents confirming South African citizenship for the Director, Producer, Line Producer, and key personnel
  • Detailed production budget with QSAPE breakdown (must be at least 75% of total production budget)
  • Production schedule showing filming days in South Africa (at least 14 days and at least 80% of principal photography)
  • SPCV registration documents (South African company, wholly owned by applicant)
  • Evidence of at least 10% of total production budget secured (bank statements, signed financing agreements)
  • Financial plan and signed contract(s) from financier(s)
  • Evidence of black-owned supplier procurement plan (at least 20% from 51% black-owned entities)
  • Completed Application Form A (available from the dtic)
  • HOD list confirming majority (51%) are black South African citizens

Am I a fit for this particular fund?

You likely qualify if:

  • Your production company is at least 75% owned by Black South African citizens
  • Your Director, Producer, and Line Producer are Black South African citizens credited in their roles
  • At least 51% of your Heads of Department and key personnel are Black South African citizens
  • Your QSAPE is at least R500 000 and accounts for at least 75% of the total production budget
  • At least 80% of principal photography (and at least 14 days) will be filmed in South Africa
  • You apply and receive approval before commencing production anywhere in the world
  • You can register a dedicated South African SPCV for the production

You likely do not qualify if:

  • Your production company is not at least 75% black-owned
  • The Director, Producer, or Line Producer are not Black South African citizens
  • Less than 80% of principal photography will be filmed in South Africa (unless QSAPE exceeds R50 million)
  • QSAPE is below R500 000
  • QSAPE accounts for less than 75% of the total production budget
  • You have already started production before applying
  • You are a foreign production company (a separate incentive applies)

Quick facts

Overview

  • Agency: dtic
  • Category: Incentive / Reimbursable Grant
  • Scheme Name: South African Black Filmmakers Incentive
  • What this is: A reimbursable cash grant of 50% of QSAPE (up to R25 million) to support black South African-owned film and television productions, developing black talent and addressing historical imbalances in the industry.
  • Geographic Scope: National

Who this is for

  • Eligible Applicant Type: Black South African production companies with at least 75% black ownership and active involvement in the production
  • Sector Focus: Film and television production
  • Ownership Requirements: At least 75% Black South African citizen ownership; Director, Producer, and Line Producer must be Black South African citizens; 51% of HODs must be black South African citizens
  • Business Stage: Start-up (Under 2 years trading), Growing Business (2-5 years trading), Established (5+ years trading)

Type of support

  • Is financial support provided: Yes
  • Support form: Reimbursable cash grant

Funding parameters

  • Funding basis: Reimbursable — paid after qualifying expenditure is incurred and verified
  • Funding percentage/amount: 50% of QSAPE
  • Funding cap: R25 million per qualifying project; R2 million once-off for key production equipment
  • Cost-sharing required: Yes (production expenditure incurred by the applicant)

What the support can be used for

Qualifying South African production expenditure (cast, crew, location costs, local procurement, post-production in SA); key production equipment purchase (once-off up to R2 million)

Information you will need to provide

Applicants must provide detailed production budgets with QSAPE breakdown (must be at least 75% of total production budget), a production schedule, proof of black ownership, identity documents for key personnel, SPCV registration, financing evidence, and a procurement plan showing at least 20% spend with 51% black-owned entities.

Key requirements and conditions

At least 20% of qualifying goods and services must be procured from entities that are 51% black-owned by South African citizens and have been operating for at least one year. Use of multiple subsidiaries or connected companies as production companies is not permitted.

How it works

  • Application route: Submit Application Form A to the dtic before commencing production; contact application officials directly
  • Assessment focus: Black ownership (75%+), black South African citizenship of Director/Producer/Line Producer/HODs, minimum QSAPE, filming days and percentage in South Africa, QSAPE as % of total budget, funding secured, B-BBEE procurement
  • Turnaround time: Application must be submitted and receive an outcome before commencing production; processing time not specified

Application support

Not specified

Contact and routing

Eliya Ndou: ENdou@thedtic.gov.za | +27 12 394 1748; Mr Khabo Mhlanga: Kmhlanga@thedtic.gov.za | +27 12 394 1349

Additional information

For productions with QSAPE of R50 million or more, the 80% filming requirement and 14-day minimum may be waived at the dtic’s discretion. If production commences before approval, the project must be fully funded and will not be eligible for milestone payments.

Contact and routing

Applications:

Claims:

Programme Guidelines and Application Forms: Available on the dtic website

Application Considerations:

What You Need to Prepare Before Applying

Most applications are delayed or declined due to incomplete submissions. Preparing the items below upfront will significantly improve your chances.

Core documents (required for almost all funds)

  • Company registration documents
  • Ownership and shareholder information
  • Business plan or project description
  • Recent financial statements or management accounts
  • Project budget and cost breakdown

Project‑specific documents (depending on the fund)

  • Quotes for equipment, infrastructure, or services
  • Feasibility study or technical proposal (where required)
  • Energy solution proposal (for energy‑related funds)
  • Export contracts or buyer information (for export and insurance products)
  • Job creation plan (where applicable)
  • Turnaround or recovery plan (for distress funding)

Additional requirements

  • Proof of sector compliance or permits (where relevant)
  • Evidence of co‑funding or financing approvals (for grants and blended funding)
  • Any templates or declarations specified by the administering agency

What Happens After You Apply

  1. Completeness check – your submission is reviewed to ensure all required documents are included.
  2. Eligibility assessment – the agency confirms that you meet the fund’s basic criteria.
  3. Technical and financial review – your project and financials are evaluated.
  4. Decision and contracting – approved applications proceed to contracting and implementation.

Timelines vary by fund and depend heavily on the quality and completeness of your application.

Important Notes for Applicants

  • Approval is not guaranteed, even if all requirements are met.
  • Funding terms may be subject to final agency approval and conditions.
  • Submitting accurate and complete information is critical.
  • Misrepresentation or incomplete information can result in delays or rejection.

Interested in this fund or have some questions?

Northern Cape, Free State & Mpumalanga Provinces (NFM)

Email Address: NFMcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Mahlatse Mothapo: 012 394 3554 / 082 903 5845
Ms. Jane Mtshali: 012 394 1385

Email Address: NGLcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. David Molefe: 012 394 1262
Ms. Selinah Swaratlhe: 012 394 1140

Email Address: WCcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Elias Rafapa: 021 480 8064 / 063 688 6466 
Mr. Vuyo Zitha: 021 480 8055 / 066 306 8424
Ms. Monica Masangwana: 021 480 8063 / 082 647 3611

Email Address: ECcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Andre Le Grange: 041 502 9000 / 060 753 0751
Mr. Simphiwe Ngonyama: 060 753 0663
Ms. Princess Konza: 072 295 4806

Email Address: KZNcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Wiseman Myeni: 076 129 9697 
Ms. Rajeshri Sardha: 072 295 1480
Ms. Neela Govender: 072 296 0369
Ms. Constance Gumede: 072 296 1837

APPLY NOW

Find Funding That Fits Your Business

Answer a few quick questions and get matched with the most relevant grants, loans and incentives for your business.
START THE WIZARD NOW

OUR TOOLS

Use the following tools to help you apply:

Readiness Checklist

Check if you’re ready to apply.

Use this tool

Glossary

Understand key funding terms.

Use this tool

Templates & Downloads

Resources to support your submission.

Use this tool

Need Help?

Ask us anything about our funds and services

Hi! I'm here to help you with information about our funds and services. What would you like to know?

Start Funding Wizard