In 2026, the federal government’s film funding scheme will reach its limits in the face of exceptionally high demand. The German Federal Film Board (FFA) has therefore adjusted the eligibility criteria for applications for funding from the German Film Support Fund (DFFF) and the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF). At the same time, several industry associations are warning of the consequences for the German film industry’s ability to plan with certainty.
According to the FFA, 151 million euros have already been approved for 103 projects in 2026. A further 111 applications are reportedly being processed. For additional applications this year, only around 30 million euros in funding can be considered. The FFA attributes these adjustments to the high number of applications and the limited remaining funds.
Stricter requirements for new applications
Additional requirements now apply to projects due to start filming in 2026. For DFFF I, applicants must, amongst other things, provide at least one binding letter of commitment from an eligible distributor, and at least 45 per cent of the funding must be secured by binding evidence. For DFFF II, at least one deal memo for the appointment of a service provider is required. For the GMPF, a contract for distribution with a German media service provider must be in place.
Projects due to start filming at the end of 2026 which have not yet submitted an application are not expected to be able to do so until 2027. The call for applications for projects due to start filming in 2027 is due to open in November 2026 at the earliest.
Industry associations warn of the consequences
The development has sparked strong criticism from the film industry. Produktionsallianz, AG DOK, the German Film Academy and PROG have jointly warned of growing uncertainty for producers. In their view, the changes jeopardise the predictability required for investments and productions.
At the same time, the associations point to the planned cuts in federal funding. Following an increase in funding to a total of 250 million euros in 2026, current plans suggest that around 200 million euros will again be available for 2027. The sector fears that this will lead to further restrictions.
The Production Alliance emphasises that film productions are planned well in advance and cannot simply be postponed. AG DOK warns in particular of the impact on cinema documentaries and documentary series. The German Film Academy sees not only the economic foundations of production companies but also the diversity of German cinema as being at risk. PROG, for its part, criticises the current market conditions for German producers.
Call for a more reliable funding system
The Association of Technical Services for Film and Television (VTFF) is also calling for long-term planning certainty and the stabilisation of funding. The association had already pointed out, in connection with the increase in funding, that the annual budgetary commitment from the DFFF and GMPF did not offer sufficient long-term certainty for national and international productions. At the same time, the VTFF is campaigning for an uncapped tax incentive scheme.
This once again brings the fundamental question of how German film funding is structured to the fore. On the one hand, the high level of demand shows that the improved funding conditions are attractive to producers. On the other hand, the limited budgetary resources mean that, when demand is high, the system quickly reaches its financial limits.
Investment commitment not yet finalised
Alongside the debate on the DFFF and GMPF, the reform of the German film funding system is continuing. Among other things, the Federal Government is pursuing a requirement for investment in media services. However, from the perspective of the industry associations, the reform to date is insufficient as long as a long-term tax incentive scheme has not been implemented.
For the German film industry, this raises not only the question of how much funding can still be allocated in 2026. It is also crucial to determine whether a reliable long-term framework can be established for producers, studios and international clients.