Cape Town announces recipients of its 2025/26 film fund

The "Mother City" is reinforcing its status as a premier global destination for media production, as the City of Cape Town officially announces the recipients of its 2025/26 film fund. This year’s allocation supports a vibrant tapestry of six productions, ranging from high-octane television dramas to poignant documentaries and animated musical shorts.

The fund, designed to empower a mixture of emerging talent and established industry veterans, aims to amplify local voices while ensuring Cape Town’s diverse landscapes and narratives resonate on the world stage.

JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, hailed the initiative as a cornerstone of the city’s economic and cultural strategy.

"We are delighted to announce our second slate of productions to be funded this year," Smith said. "These projects will benefit from a dedicated film fund designed to spark authentic storytelling. This initiative does more than just nurture local creativity; it bolsters skills development and encourages vital international collaboration."

Following a rigorous evaluation process, the city has selected a diverse portfolio of projects currently filming across the peninsula:

• Spinners (Season 2): Produced by Backstory Films, this popular TV series returns to the high-stakes world of "spinning," following protagonist Ethan as he grapples with a past he cannot outrun.

• Silas en die Ysbeer op Tafelberg: A feature film from Nagvlug Films that weaves Cape Town’s rich folklore into a story of childhood wonder and grief, set against the majestic backdrop of Table Mountain.

• Aquanauts: Beneath The Surface: A documentary by Community Media Trust exploring the historic legacy of a Black diving club founded during the apartheid era.

• Omdraai: A Kindergarten Films documentary following the journey of rural ballet dancers as they vie for success in a prestigious city competition.

• Animal Therapy: A charming short animation series by Studio Bo aimed at helping children navigate complex emotions through music.

The local film community has responded with overwhelming gratitude. The team at Backstory Films noted that the city’s involvement is a testament to the “undeniable talent” found within South African production crews.

For others, the funding is a means of cultural preservation. The Community Media Trust expressed immense pride in telling the story of the Aquanauts in their own hometown, while Nagvlug Films highlighted the international potential of the grant, stating: "With the City’s support, we are now able to carry that piece of Cape Town beyond our shores."

As cameras roll from the Bo-Kaap to the Atlantic Seaboard, these projects represent more than mere entertainment. They serve as a heartbeat for the city—capturing its history, its struggles, and its unwavering creative spirit.