5 reasons to apply to the One World Media Fellowship
Whether you’re looking for support to direct your short documentary, write an international feature story or produce a radio doc, the Fellowship could be your springboard into the industry.
With just a few weeks left to apply, we spoke to some of our Fellowship alumni to share their top reasons for why you should apply to the Fellowship…
1. Gives you the confidence & support to complete your project
Each selected Fellow receives a personal mentor and an experienced executive producer for their project who are on hand to offer support every step of the way. From preparing for your first shoot and helping shape your story, to advice on pitching and promotion.
“I was at a point where I’d filmed a bit and had a couple of rejections from some funders. I felt the idea and the story was really important, but I wasn’t quite sure where to go with it next. Through the Fellowship I was able to work with my mentor to refocus the idea and encourage me to get the wheels of the project moving again, which was all really helpful.”
– Ali S.
2. Become part of a network of like-minded filmmakers & journalists
Since 2001, the Fellowship has supported 200+ emerging journalists and filmmakers to report from 75 different countries across the global south. This has grown into a welcoming and collaborative community of One World Media alumni – an invaluable community for Fellows to join.
“Not only do you get the support from One World Media and the mentors, but also you get a network of other filmmakers and journalists around you. I think for a lot of people, if you’re just starting off on your own you don’t really know anyone else, but then with the Fellowship suddenly you’re with all these other people who are going through the exact same thing as you! Even once the Fellowship is behind you, you have these contacts that you might end up working with or become friends with. I think that’s one of the best things about it – I definitely recommend it!”
– Rhys A.
3. Teaches the importance of preparation & safety
Through a series of interactive workshops, Fellows have access to a wide range of training. This includes detailed safety sessions, teaching you how to carry out risk assessments for your reporting trips.
“I wouldn’t have been able to make this film without the Fellowship, not just financially but also the support that I got leading up to my trip and during my trip. I learned a lot about safety measures. Things that you take for granted but were really helpful to give myself peace of mind. Just the fact that I had to make the safety plan and check-in plan with One World Media, really helped me feel more comfortable and was an important part of feeling very prepared. So there was never a moment when I questioned who am I going to be in contact with if something happens, because I had people through One World Media who I knew were really looking out for me and looking out for the integrity of my film as well.”
– Erica B.
4. Join a supportive community
As a One World Media Fellow, you are supported by our team, mentors and peers, through regular contact and monthly group check-ins. This creates a helpful space to share and discuss any challenges or obstacles you are facing, and to celebrate your successes!
“Having the psychological support during the shoot was really important. When I had all the difficulties, my mentor was always there supporting me and encouraging me. It was great to have this support and back up of your idea, especially for the first time as you often don’t have anyone else.”
– Nadya G.
5. Learn. Learn. Learn!
The Fellowship gives new talent the creative freedom and support to hone their craft without the pressure of a commission or strict editorial guidelines. This provides a unique environment for Fellows to learn and understand more about the type of storyteller they are.
“I’ve learned a lot through this journey! One is in my own ability, as this is the first time that I shot on my own. So I think that it’s just increased my confidence in myself and in knowing as a filmmaker what a good story is, who a good or compelling or powerful character is, and then also in my ability to do different stuff – from being there in the edit guiding the process to even directing the cinematographer while we were filming.”
– Lydia M.