Sørfond - Norwegian South Film Fund

Due to unexpected delays in the final finish of the SØRFOND guidelines, the deadline for application to the fund is postponed to February 15, 2012. A webform for application will be available on this website on January 15, 2012 the latest.

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 will in co-operation with the Oslo Films From the South Foundation 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 majority 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 a substantial part of the budget (50%) must be already confirmed. 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 majority producer must, as a basic requirement, be established in a country on the DAC-list. Special exceptions can be made only if the majority 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?
The application form will be released on www.sorfond.com and www.norwegianfilms.no on the 15th January 2012 at the latest. 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 this page.

When?
The first deadline is the 15th February 2012, granting 500 000 Euros. There will be one application date per year.

Pitching Forum
The SØRFOND pitching Forum was arranged on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th October 2011 at Filmens Hus/Cinematheque, Lillebil cinema.