Ghana · Creative industry
Ten routes through Ghana’s Film Development Fund
The National Film Authority’s 2026 call offered ten funding windows, from developing a screenplay to equipping a cinema or taking a finished film to market. The published application period ran from 31 July through 31 August 2026.
Sources checked
- 16 December 2016Act 935 received assent and established the fund
- 31 July 2026The National Film Authority’s call opened
- 31 August 2026Published closing date for the call
The 2026 call closed on 31 August. The dates identify the call covered in this guide.
The windows correspond to different parts of a project
The development window covered work such as a script or proof of concept. The production window addressed making the work, while distribution and promotion covered activities such as release campaigns and localisation. A cinema refurbishment fell under the infrastructure window. The ten categories included work outside individual film productions. Source 3
Which applicants the Act and the call describe
Section 31 names groups such as cinema developers, filmmakers, marketers and production companies. It also sets professional membership and tax registration conditions. The 2026 portal asked applicants for supporting evidence including National Film Authority credentials and tax compliance. Source 1 Source 2
How Ghanaian content was assessed
The portal described seven criteria and said standard projects had to satisfy at least three where the test applied. It said international co-productions had to meet four criteria, including a Ghanaian producer and evidence of Ghanaian identity through sight and sound. The table separates these project criteria from applicant documentation. Source 1 Source 2
Where the 60% figure comes from
Section 32 sets a maximum of 60% of the total budget estimates submitted by eligible applicants. A project that requested the full statutory percentage would therefore still need a plan for at least 40% of its budget from other sources. The fund portal describes grants, recoverable finance and technical support, with the form and award determined through review. Source 1 Source 2
Which costs a project budget needs to explain
A budget can distinguish development, shooting, post-production and release costs so reviewers can see which expenses relate to the proposed window. The portal asked for a proposal and a budget, with rights or classification evidence where applicable. Its window list also gives examples for training, research and exhibition projects. Source 2 Source 3