Investigative and independent journalism in the Balkans, Central Europe, the EaP countries, as well as Cyprus and Malta, has been facing numerous challenges in recent years. In many countries in the region, the 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. 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.
For more than 15 years, Balkan Documentary Center has been committed to supporting filmmakers, journalists and activists successfully complete their work. Taking into consideration the learnings and experience from previous trainings (BDC Discoveries and Docu Rough Cut Boutique), BDC is happy to present Balkan Watchers – Media Programme for Journalists, supported by Creative Europe MEDIA.
Who is it for? Journalists, filmmakers, activists working on documentary film projects or podcasts, in late development or production.
Eligible countries: EU: Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Cyprus, Malta; non-EU: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Co-productions between EU and non-EU countries are strongly encouraged.
The program is organized in three working modules:
1. Bucharest (April 2024) – during One World Romania – project development
2. Online module (August/September 2024) – pitching preparation
3. Sofia (October 2024) – during Sofia Documental – pitching and selection of funded projects
10 documentary film projects and 10 podcasts will be selected.
After pitching in Sofia, 3 documentary films will be awarded 25,000 EUR each and 3 podcasts will be awarded 5,000 EUR each.
