Balkan Watchers – Media Program for Documentary Films and Podcasts

Balkan Documentary Center is happy to present a new training and funding opportunity. The new initiative Balkan Watchers – Media Program for Documentary Films and Podcasts, aims to amplify the voices engaged in investigative and independent journalism, through documentaries and podcasts as alternative forms of critical reporting.

10 FILMS + 10 PODCASTS to be selected for TRAINING.
3 FILMS + 3 PODCASTS out of them will receive FINANCIAL SUPPORT (25,000 EUR for a film, 5000 EUR for a podcast).

Who is it for? 
Journalists, filmmaker activists working on documentary film projects or podcasts. 

Eligible countries*
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. 

*Applications which are co-productions between EU and non-EU countries are strongly encouraged.

What stage? – Projects should be in late development or production. 

The program is organized in three working modules: 

  1. Bucharest (April 2024) – during The International Documentary Film and Human Rights Festival One World Romania – dedicated to project development

2. Online module (August/September 2024) – dedicated to pitching preparation 

3. Sofia (October 2024) – during Sofia Documental – pitching and selection of the 6 funded projects. 

Timeline: 
Project Submission Deadline: 01 March 2024 
Announcements of results: mid-March 2024 
First module: April 2024 – during One World Romania 
Second module – online- end of August 
Third module: October 2024, during Sofia Documental 

In order to apply, please click here. 
Please, submit your application by the deadline – 1st March. 

The official language of the workshop 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.

Read the full announcement here.

The program is supported by Creative Europe Media. 

Join the Online Ask Us Anything session here .