The IBF Classic Funding Scheme is an initiative that supports global storytelling through film by providing financial assistance to filmmakers from underrepresented regions. Backed by the Bertha Foundation, the scheme focuses on empowering voices from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The organization is committed to fostering diverse narratives that challenge perceptions and contribute to meaningful dialogue around the world. Through this funding, IBF aims to help creators bring socially relevant and artistically strong stories to the screen. By supporting both production and post-production phases, IBF enables filmmakers to not only tell their stories but also present them professionally on international platforms such as film festivals, cinemas, and broadcast networks. The organization has become a trusted partner for many NGOs and cultural institutions, advocating for storytelling as a powerful tool for change. The funding initiative is a part of a broader mission to elevate voices that may otherwise remain unheard, particularly from regions with limited access to global filmmaking resources. IBF believes in the transformative potential of documentary and narrative film and works towards a future where every community has the means to represent its own truth.

The IBF Classic Grant offers financial support specifically for the production and post-production stages of film projects. This funding opportunity is designed to help filmmakers finalize their projects to a professional standard, making them suitable for cinema release, television broadcast, and international film festivals. The grant can cover a wide range of production costs—from shooting and editing to sound design and color grading. It provides up to €25,000 per selected project, ensuring that filmmakers have the necessary resources to complete their vision. Whether a project is in mid-production or in the post-production stage, applicants are expected to submit audiovisual material showcasing their progress. The evaluation process focuses on the creative strength of the concept, the urgency and originality of the story, the director’s artistic vision, and the project’s financial feasibility. Through this grant, IBF aims to champion compelling, socially relevant stories that may not have access to traditional funding avenues. The grant plays a crucial role in enabling filmmakers from underrepresented regions to bring their narratives to the global stage. It is a chance for bold and authentic voices to be heard and seen, encouraging stories that challenge the status quo and inspire audiences worldwide.