Exploring Voices: The 2026 Hubert Bals Fund Development Support Grant Recipients
The Hubert Bals Fund (HBF) of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has announced the selection of 20 projects to receive a grant of €10,000 each under its Development Support Scheme 2026. This year's selection includes projects from Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia, with a focus on regions like North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Serbia. The HBF aims to support emerging filmmaking talent in areas that are often underrepresented in funding decisions.
The chosen projects cover a wide range of themes, including displacement, migration, aging, and belonging. The selection also features a strong African presence, with projects like "In the Wake of Yesterday" and "Lady Pearl" exploring complex narratives set in Sahelian settlements and modern South Africa. The HBF emphasizes the diversity and artistic freedom of the selected projects, which reflect the unique voices of contemporary filmmakers.
Among the grant recipients are filmmakers like Dean Wei, Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy, and Nolitha Refilwe Mkulisi, who bring their distinct storytelling styles to projects like "The Apple Doesn't Fall," "Deus Ex Machina," and "Lady Pearl." The selected projects showcase a mix of genres and storytelling approaches, highlighting the creativity and innovation of the filmmakers supported by the HBF.
The 2026 HBF development support grant recipients represent a diverse group of filmmakers from around the world, each bringing their unique perspective and vision to the screen. The HBF's commitment to supporting emerging talent and fostering creative storytelling is evident in the selection of projects that span a wide range of themes and genres. The grant recipients are poised to make a significant impact on the international film scene, showcasing the rich diversity of voices in contemporary cinema.