Balkan Watchers supports journalists, filmmakers, and activists focused on impactful storytelling in the Balkans and neighbouring regions through documentary films and podcasts. The program combines tailored training and funding to advance a total of twenty projects – ten documentaries and ten podcasts. A total of six projects will be awarded by a renowned international jury (three documentaries and three podcasts), with award amounts of €25,000 for each documentary film and €5,000 for each documentary podcast.

Eligibility

The program is open to projects in late development or production stages. Eligible applicants include residents from the following regions:

• EU Countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Cyprus, and Malta
• Non-EU Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cross-border collaboration between EU and non-EU countries is highly encouraged.

Programme Structure

Selected participants will progress through three comprehensive training modules:

1. Bucharest, April 2025: In-person workshop at One World Romania for project development and guidance by international mentors.
2. Online Module, August-September 2025: Virtual sessions focused on pitching preparation, designed to refine presentation and pitching skills.
3. Sofia, October 2025: Final in-person module during the Sofia DocuMental Int. Film Festival, where projects will be pitched to an industry panel, and funding recipients will be selected and announced.

The program is supported by Creative Europe Media and partners with leading documentary festivals and industry professionals to bolster cross-border documentary storytelling.

Apply no later than January 5 by submitting your project here.