The Balkan Documentary Center is launching a new training and funding opportunity. Aimed at journalists and filmmaker activists, the new initiative ‘Balkan Watchers – Media Program for Documentary Films and Podcasts,’ looks “to amplify the voices engaged in investigative and independent journalism, through documentaries and podcasts as alternative forms of critical reporting.”
Ten film and 10 podcast projects will be selected for training. Of these, six projects will receive financial support of €25,000 per film (x 3) and €5,000 per podcast (x 3).
Projects should be at late development or production stage. The deadline for submission is extended to March 8.
Eligible countries are:
- EU: Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Cyprus and Malta
- Non-EU: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The Balkan Documentary Center stresses that applications on co-productions between EU and non-EU countries are strongly encouraged. The official language of the workshops is English. All members of the team must be fluent in English in order to participate. Chosen participants must be present at all project sessions.
The program is organized across three working modules:
- Bucharest (April 2024) – during The International Documentary Film and Human Rights Festival One World Romania – dedicated to project development
- Online module (August/September 2024) – dedicated to pitching preparation
- Sofia (October 2024) – during Sofia Documental – pitching and selection of the 6 funded projects.
The Balkan Documentary Centre explains its rationale in launching the new training/funding initiative, which is supported by Creative Europe Media: “Investigative and independent journalism in the Balkans, Central Europe, the EaP (Eastern Partnership) countries as well as Cyprus and Malta have been facing numerous challenges in recent years. In many countries in the region, media landscape is full of self-censorship and a lack of critical reporting. Journalists who do pursue investigative stories face life threats, harassment, and legal action, which further restricts their ability to report on sensitive issues.”
“These journalists often rely on international support, international collaboration and funding to carry out their work, and they face significant risks and obstacles in doing so,” staff continue. “However, their work is crucial in holding those in power accountable and promoting transparency and democracy, and desperately needs other relevant public interest structures to unite efforts in improving the situation within the media landscape.”
The timeline for application is:
- Project Submission Deadline: 8 March 2024
- Announcements of results: mid-late March 2024
- First module: April 2024 – during One World Romania
- Second module – online at end of August
- Third module: October 2024, during Sofia Documental
To apply, please click here.
