Investigative and independent journalism in the Balkans, Central Europe, the EaP 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. 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, journalist and activists successfully complete their work. We’ve done so with our established training programs – BDC Discoveries and Docu Rough Cut Boutique.  

Taking into consideration the learnings and experience from previous trainings, we are happy to present the new one under the name Balkan Watchers – Media Programme for Journalists. The program will not only offer training, but will also provide FUNDING for six projects (three documentaries and three podcasts). The program is supported by Creative Europe Media.

Who is it for? : Journalists, filmmaker activist 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.

*We strongly encourage applications, which are co-productions between EU and non-EU countries.

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

The program is organized in three working modules:

1. Bucharest (April) – during One World Romania – dedicated to project development
2. Online module (August/September) – dedicated to pitching preparation
3. Sofia (October) – 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 podcast will be awarded 5000 EUR each.

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 projects‘ sessions.