Effective from 2026, a complete application must be submitted to NFTVF no later than 12 weeks before the locked edit of the documentary.

In Nordisk Film & TV Fond’s funding guidelines, the current application deadline for documentaries is defined as “normally before principal photography starts”. From January 1st 2026, the deadline will be defined as follows: "A complete application must be submitted no later than 12 weeks before the locked edit of the documentary.”

NFTVF’s application criteria – requiring at least 70% confirmed financing and distribution in a minimum of two Nordic countries – are today typically only met for documentaries once sufficient material is available for presentation to financiers and distributors. The current deadline has proven to be challenging for productions that extend over long periods, and likewise for compilation documentaries based on existing material.

At the same time, it is essential that applications are considered at a stage where sufficient production and post-production work remains, securing that the top financing has a real impact. For documentaries, this applies in particular to the editing phase, which constitutes the core artistic and production process.

By requiring a complete application to be submitted no later than 12 weeks prior to locked edit, NFTVF ensures that the project is still at a stage where substantial editing work remains. This provides a genuine opportunity for NFTVF’s support to strengthen the project.

The updated guidelines will be available on nordiskfilmogtvfond.com, in English and Norwegian.

From November 2025, Documentary Advisor Ove Rishøj Jensen will handle all new applications, and follow up supported documentaries. Before this, please reach out to Senior Advisor Legal & Strategy Lise Løwholm or Senior Advisor Documentary Karolina Lidin.