Fast track application

International Sámi Film Institute can give fast track grants for the development and production of Sámi film projects in any genre. You can apply fast track to smaller projects with a small budget.

  • The intention of the Fast track grant is to make it easier for filmmakers to apply for funding for smaller projects with low budgets, and with shorter development and production timelines. New talents are especially encouraged to apply for this grant, as the application form is simplified.

  • Central roles in the project must be held by Sami; in that either the producer or co-producer, and director or script writer define themselves as Sami or are speak Sami.

    The Fast track grant does not require that the applicant has a limited liability company, sole proprietorships can also apply for a Fast track grant.

    Other indigenous production companies may receive Fast track grants from ISFI if the project has a significant meaning or artistic value.

    The grant recipient must submit a report, following ISFI’s guidelines for reporting.

  • In order to receive a grant from ISFI, the applicant and project must fulfil ISFI’s application criteria and ISFI makes an overall assessment of the project on the basis of the project’s artistic quality and the criteria set by these regulations.

    The grant is linked to Sami culture and language. Projects applying for grants must comply with the following:

    • The project must be developed in Sami in its entirety.
    • Central roles in the project must be held by Sami; in that either the producer or co-producer, and director or script writer define themselves as Sami or are speak Sami.
    • The project must have a Sami theme.
    • Priority is given to projects with children and young people as the target group.
    • ISFI makes a discretionary assessment of whether the project meets the requirement of Sami affiliation and Sami language.
    • The main language in the film must be Sami.

    A specific, discretionary assessment by the ISFI will determine whether a project has met ISFI’s grant requirements.

  • The Fast track grant is intended for smaller project with a low budget. The applicant can apply for a maximum of NOK 100 000 for the project.

    The Fast track grant is usually disbursed in two parts; 75% is paid when the grant recipient has accepted the conditions of the grant in writing, and 25% is paid after the project report for the grant has been approved by ISFI.

    If ISFI provides further support to the project, the Fast track grant is considered part of the overall grant.

    The grant offer from ISFI is valid for three months after the offer has been made. If the grant recipient has not accepted the conditions of the grant within three months, the grant will be withdrawn without notice.

    There are no application deadlines for the Fast track grant and the application can be submitted on the basis of need.

    Application processing time is normally 6 weeks.

    Complaints of ISFI decisions can be made to the Ministry of Culture in Norway.

  • There is no application deadline for fast track grants and this can be applied for when needed.

  • Applications generated and approved before January 1, 2024, remain in the previous portal and will not undergo migration to the new application portal. The reporting process remains unchanged for those tasked with reporting on grants obtained through the old portal. Conversely, applications approved in this new portal will be reported within this platform.

    If the grant is disbursed in two parts, you must report in time or apply for an extension.

    Applications from 2023 and previous years: The report shall be submitted via email to rapport@isfi.no with reference to the grant reference number.

    Mandatory attachments in relation to the reporting

     

    • Financial statements
      The financial statement shall show all expenses for the project. If you are reporting on a travel grant, you shall instead submit receipts documenting the expenses in relation to the budget. Expenses for food and driving are not covered.
    • Project funding
      Specify and explain what funding the project has and who is funding the project.
    • Project financial report
      An audited financial report for the project is required if the grant is more than NOK 200 000. If not, the accountant must sign all financial statements.

     

    Missing report / Breach of guidelines

    If the grant recipient breaches the guidelines or ISFI does not receive the report and financial accounting may be of significance to the allocation of future grants. The breach in this context means violating ISFI’s guidelines, if the grant is not used in accordance with the rules that are set for the grant, and/or failure to comply with decisions made by ISFI. In the event of a breach as mentioned above, ISFI may also choose to impose these sanctions:

    • Ceasing payment of the grant for the project in question
    • Ceasing payment of the grant for other projects under the grant recipients’ direction
    • Requiring repayment of all or part of the grant
    • Imposing a quarantine of 3 years or less on allocating new grants
    • In the event of a significant breach, ISFI shall impede any form of funding for the project with immediate effect.