Hubert Bals Fund

Overview

The Hubert Bals Fund (HBF) is one of the most important international film funds supporting filmmakers from developing countries. Administered by the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), the fund provides grants for script and project development, production, and post-production of feature-length narrative films by filmmakers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe.

Named after Hubert Bals, the visionary founder of the Rotterdam festival, the fund has been operating since 1988 and has supported over 1,000 projects from more than 100 countries. Many of the most acclaimed films from the developing world over the past three decades received HBF support at a critical stage of their creation. The fund has helped launch the international careers of filmmakers who have gone on to win top prizes at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and the Academy Awards.

The HBF operates on the principle that talented filmmakers everywhere deserve access to the resources needed to realize their creative visions, regardless of the economic conditions in their home countries. The fund fills financing gaps that would otherwise prevent outstanding projects from reaching completion.

What It Covers

• Script and Project Development -- grants of up to 10,000 euros for screenwriting and project development
• HBF+Europe: Co-Production -- grants of up to 50,000 euros for production (in partnership with European co-producers)
• Post-Production Support -- grants for finishing funds, color grading, sound mixing, and delivery
• IFFR connection -- funded films may be considered for the festival's programming
• Industry networking -- filmmakers access the IFFR industry platform and professional network

Eligibility

The fund supports filmmakers from countries listed on the DAC List of ODA Recipients (countries classified as developing nations by the OECD). This includes most countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. Projects must be feature-length narrative fiction films (documentary and experimental work are not eligible for most HBF programs). Both first-time and experienced filmmakers are eligible.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the IFFR professionals portal. The fund operates two application rounds per year, with deadlines typically in spring and fall. Submissions include a screenplay or detailed treatment, director's statement, project budget, financing plan, and filmmaker CV. Films applying for co-production support must have a confirmed European co-producer.

Who Should Apply

Filmmakers from developing countries who have feature-length narrative projects in development, production, or post-production. The fund is particularly valuable for filmmakers whose home countries lack robust domestic film financing infrastructure and who need international support to complete their work.

See Also

For understanding international co-production and distribution, see International Film Markets. To plan your feature film budget, use the Production Budget Calculator.