We fund films from around the world on developmental work as well as other activities in Germany such as film festivals, film tours, workshops and educational media seminars. Our aim is for people to reflect critically on issues of development and questions of global justice. The projects we support should stimulate intercultural dialogue and open new perspectives.
Criteria for funding
A project:
- addresses current topics
- presents topics in a sophisticated and nuanced way
- clearly presents the viewpoint of people in the ‘global South’
- treats all parties involved in an equitable way
- presents both causes of problems and approaches towards resolving them
- situates individual life stories and topics within a wider social context
- promotes learning about intercultural and development policies
- encourages people to get involved
- and especially in the case of films, target audiences should be given a means of identifying with the stories of the subjects
Applications can be made for fiction, documentary or animation films.
It is a requirement that filming has not begun at the time of lodging the application. In the case of projects other than films, the activities that are being applied for should not be already underway.
Applications can be made regardless of your nationality.
Other activities for which funding can be requested
Research trips: If filmmakers need to gain information for their research in a country in the ‘global South’, we cover part of the costs. This funding usually amounts to the cost of international flights. In addition, we could approve a partial subsidy towards creating a screenplay or treatment.
Distributing the films: We support the distribution of films through EZEF (Evangelisches Zentrum für entwicklungsbezogene Filmarbeit). A finished film that we have not funded may also be approved for distribution. Such films must abide by the criteria listed above.
Our partner
We work closely together with EZEF. The relevant activities of each organization are set out below:
The EZEF
- counsels directors and producers wishing to make an application
- counsels Bread for the World in selecting projects for funding
- previews finished films to assess their suitability for educational use distributes the funded film on DVD
Bread for the World
- decides which films are to be funded
- finances production of films and media-related projects
- finances the acquisition of films to be distributed by EZEF
- supports urgently required research trips on subjects related to development policy
Application Deadlines
The selection committee of Bread for the World meets three times annually to decide on applications for funding exceeding EUR 5000.
This application must reach us before the following dates:
- January 5 for the March meeting
- April 5 for the June meeting
- September 5 for the November meeting
Applications for sums under EUR 5000 must reach our office at least eight weeks before production begins.
Please note that Bread for the World only provides partial funding for projects. You are advised by letter of the amount of the grant.
You find the application forms here.
Please send the completed application both by mail and by Email to:
Evangelisches Werk für Diakonie und Entwicklung e. V.
Bread for the World
Referat Inlandsförderung
Caroline-Michaelis-Str. 1
10115 Berlin, Germany
inlandsfoerderung@brot-fuer-die-welt.de
If you have any questions, call us on 0049 30 65211-1278.
Further information
Flyer Film Funding
We have compiled the most important information about applications, award criteria and eligible projects in a compact format for you.
Download (PDF)