10/01/2025 - The centre offers filmmakers and storytellers extensive opportunities with its Balkan Watchers, Docu Rough Cut Boutique and BDC Discoveries schemes

A photo from last year's edition of the Balkan Watchers programme

The Balkan Documentary Center (BDC) has announced extended submission deadlines for its key training initiatives in 2025, offering an opportunity for documentary filmmakers, podcasters and storytellers to apply. Among the programmes open for applications are the newly introduced Balkan Watchers, the Docu Rough Cut Boutique and BDC Discoveries. These initiatives are designed to support professionals at various stages of their creative journey, providing both financial assistance and mentorship opportunities.

Balkan Watchers, a programme launched in collaboration with One World Romania and funded by Creative Europe – MEDIA, aims to empower journalistic and investigative projects originating from regions where press freedom is restricted. This scheme specifically supports projects tackling sensitive societal issues that are often stifled by censorship or limited resources. Balkan Watchers will select ten documentaries and ten podcasts for the programme, with six of these receiving financial backing. Selected documentaries can receive up to €25,000 in funding, while podcasts are eligible for grants of up to €5,000. Participants will undergo a series of training sessions designed to fine-tune their projects and pitches, culminating in an event at the Sofia DocuMental festival in October, where the winners will be announced.

The Docu Rough Cut Boutique focuses on documentary projects at the rough-cut stage, offering tailored feedback and guidance from leading international editors, producers and sales agents. Held in partnership with the Sarajevo Film Festival, the programme enhances the editing process and boosts a film's potential for recognition at global festivals and markets. It also connects participants with distributors, festival programmers and other key industry players, making it a vital stepping stone for advancing projects nearing completion.

For creative documentary projects in the early development phase, BDC Discoveries provides year-round mentorship in collaboration with partners such as DOK Leipzig and Beldocs. This programme focuses on nurturing emerging talents from the Balkan region, helping them shape their stories and build production and pitching skills. Participants gain access to key co-production markets, networking events and funding opportunities, paving the way for their stories to reach international audiences.

Since its foundation in 2011, the Balkan Documentary Center has played a key role in fostering the growth of documentary filmmaking in the region. By providing comprehensive support at every stage of production, the organisation ensures that impactful stories from the Balkans and beyond find their place on the global stage. Through its focus on socially relevant topics, the centre continues to nurture independent filmmakers and challenge societal norms.

For those interested in applying, the extended submission deadlines are 13 January for Docu Rough Cut Boutique, 19 January for Balkan Watchers and 10 March for BDC Discoveries. Further information about the programmes and submission requirements can be found on the Balkan Documentary Center’s official website.