The Hubert Bals Fund (HBF) of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has announced an expanded initiative for 2026, providing €10,000 grants to 20 selected projects under its Development Support Scheme. This increase of one-third from the 15 projects supported in 2025 underscores a growing commitment to global cinematic development, particularly with a regional focus on Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Among the noteworthy selections are eight projects from these regions, including North Macedonia's first-ever HBF-supported film, "Bakhmaro – Invisible Formula," directed by Short Tiger award winner Anka Gujabidze. The fund also extended its support to two projects each from Ukraine and Serbia, reflecting a strategic response to the political crises in these areas. Tamara Tatishvili, head of the HBF, emphasized the importance of this increased allocation amidst global threats to development funding, ensuring support reaches underrepresented filmmaking communities and distinctive voices.
The cohort of grant recipients showcases a broad spectrum of contemporary filmmaking, featuring numerous IFFR alumni. Projects like Dean Wei's "The Apple Doesn't Fall," Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy's "Deus Ex Machina," and new works from "Pepe" director Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias and "City of Wind" director Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir are among those receiving support. These films delve into diverse themes such as displacement, migration, belonging, and the complexities of aging, with a significant African presence highlighting narratives that address historical consequences and modern societal contradictions.
This initiative by the Hubert Bals Fund not only provides crucial financial backing but also fosters a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to explore challenging themes and share unique perspectives with a global audience. By championing artistic freedom and supporting diverse voices, the fund contributes significantly to the richness and variety of independent cinema, reinforcing the power of film to reflect, question, and inspire.