Deadline for application is February 27, 2013. The Norwegian minority producer is responsible for sending the application to SØRFOND. Webform for application can be found here. Official guidelines issued by The Norwegian Mininstry of Foreign Affairs on January 20th 2012 can be found here. List of eligible countries can be found here.
WHO?
SØRFOND – The Norwegian South Film Fund - is established with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture. The Norwegian Film Institute and the Oslo Films From the South Foundation will jointly be in charge of the administration of the fund. SØRFOND’s grants contribute to film productions whose main producer is based in countries on the current OECD Dac list (for full specification of countries eligible for aid, please visit: www.sorfond.com). A Norwegian minority producer is required. The main producer must represent a private production company with main responsibility for the financial planning and practical implementation of the project. The minority producer must represent a private and independent production company in Norway that is not governmental or is basically attached to a broadcasting company.
WHY?
The main objective of SØRFOND is to inspire the increase of film production in countries where it is limited for political or economical reasons. Over 150 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East are eligible for grants. Strong artistic performance and cultural integrity are core priorities. One of the main characteristics of SØRFOND is to encourage productions dealing with freedom of expression to apply for grants.
WHAT?
SØRFOND grants production support as top financing, meaning that at least 50% of the budget must be in place at the time of submitting the application. 100% of the budget must be confirmed at the point of the first payment being transferred. The fund supports both fictions and documentaries produced for theatrical release, for television or other media platforms. Minimum duration time is 50 minutes.
Maximum support for one production is 125 000 Euros. A 10 % overhead is to be granted to the minority producer in order to cover administration expenses.
WHERE?
The main producer must, as a basic requirement, be established in a country on the DAC-list. Special exceptions can be made only if the main producer is unable to live and work in his/her home country for political reasons, risking persecution. The director must be living in, or have a citizenship from a country on the DAC-list. The film must essentially be shot in a country on the DAC-list, and at least 70 % of the grant must be spent in an eligible country on the DAC-list.
HOW?
Official guidelines and the application form is now released on this website. You will find content requirements there. A Norwegian minority producer is required, and the application must be sent by that Norwegian minority producer. A short form agreement between the producer and the Norwegian minority producer is required when sending the application. For list of potential Norwegian minority producers, please see: http://produsentforeningen.no/medlemsliste.aspx.
WHEN?
The first deadline is February 15, 2012 - granting 500 000 Euros. A desicion can be expected in 4 to 6 weeks. There will be one application date per year.
