Open Call: CHANGE Co-Production Course for Documentary Teams

The CHANGE Co-Production Training Program is an international documentary development initiative that supports director-producer teams from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Sakartvelo (Georgia), Moldova, and Ukraine. The program provides free masterclasses, expert mentorship, project development, international networking, and access to global documentary markets, with travel, accommodation, and meals covered by the organizers.

Program Overview

The CHANGE Co-Production Training Program is an international initiative created to strengthen documentary filmmaking and cross-border collaboration across Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus.

Developed by International Media Support (IMS) in partnership with CPH:DOX, the Association of Non-Fiction Films of Ukraine, Docudays UA, and EAVE, the program equips documentary filmmakers with practical skills, industry connections, and international market exposure.

Its primary objective is to help documentary teams develop high-quality projects capable of reaching international audiences while promoting social, political, and cultural dialogue.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects related to:

• Documentary film development
• International co-production
• Story development and narrative design
• Project mentoring
• International film markets
• Social impact documentaries
• Journalism and documentary storytelling
• Cross-border collaboration
• Producer and director capacity building
• International networking
• Audience engagement
• Cultural exchange
• Human rights and social issues
• Independent filmmaking

Program Objectives

The initiative seeks to:

• Strengthen documentary filmmaking capacity.
• Improve storytelling quality and production planning.
• Prepare projects for international co-production.
• Connect filmmakers with international experts and industry professionals.
• Support films that address important social, political, or cultural issues.
• Increase the international visibility of documentary projects from the participating countries.

Training Structure

The program includes three in-person masterclasses designed to guide projects from concept development to international market readiness.

Masterclass 1: Story Development

Participants work with experienced mentors to:

• Strengthen the documentary narrative.
• Define the film’s social impact.
• Improve storytelling techniques.
• Refine creative vision.

Masterclass 2: Co-Production Development

This stage focuses on:

• International co-production strategies.
• Financing opportunities.
• Producer collaboration.
• Pitch preparation.
• Market positioning.
• Distribution planning.

Masterclass 3: International Market Preparation

The final masterclass takes place during CPH:DOX in Copenhagen and includes:

• Project presentation.
• Pitching practice.
• Industry networking.
• International strategy development.
• Meetings with film professionals.

Project Development Between Sessions

Between the in-person workshops, participating teams continue developing their projects through:

• Individual assignments.
• Mentor feedback.
• Project refinement.
• Production planning.
• Presentation preparation.

Funding and Participant Support

Participation in the program is completely free.

Selected participants receive:

• Free participation in all masterclasses.
• Travel expenses for program activities.
• Accommodation.
• Meals during the workshops.
• Mentorship from international experts.
• Networking opportunities with documentary professionals.

Participants are responsible only for their local transportation costs.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

• Director and producer teams.
• Documentary filmmakers.
• Documentary projects combining journalism and filmmaking.
• Teams from:
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Belarus
  • Sakartvelo (Georgia)
  • Moldova
  • Ukraine

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Apply as a director-producer team.
• Be developing a documentary project.
• Come from one of the eligible countries.
• Demonstrate strong potential for international collaboration.
• Have a project addressing significant social, political, cultural, or public-interest issues.
• Be fluent in English, the working language of the program.

Eligible Documentary Projects

Suitable projects may include:

• Human rights documentaries
• Investigative documentaries
• Social justice films
• Cultural documentaries
• Political documentaries
• Environmental documentaries
• Community-focused stories
• Journalism-based documentary projects
• Character-driven documentaries

Why This Program Matters

The CHANGE program helps documentary filmmakers overcome common barriers to international production by providing professional guidance, networking opportunities, and direct exposure to the global documentary industry.

Key benefits include:

• International mentorship.
• Stronger documentary storytelling.
• Access to global film markets.
• Professional pitching experience.
• Cross-border partnerships.
• Greater visibility for regional filmmakers.
• Long-term career development.

How the Program Works

Step 1: Prepare Your Team

Apply together as a director and producer.

Step 2: Submit Your Documentary Project

Present a well-developed documentary concept with a clear social, political, or cultural focus.

Step 3: Selection

Selected teams are invited to participate in the international training program.

Step 4: Attend Three Masterclasses

Participate in all workshops while continuing project development between sessions.

Step 5: Present at CPH:DOX

Pitch your documentary and build relationships with international industry professionals during the final workshop.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Present a compelling documentary story.
• Clearly explain why the topic matters.
• Demonstrate the project’s international relevance.
• Show a realistic production plan.
• Highlight the strengths of both the director and producer.
• Explain the intended audience and potential impact.
• Ensure all application materials are clear and professionally prepared.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Applying without a producer.
• Submitting an underdeveloped concept.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Weak storytelling or impact explanation.
• Poor English-language application materials.
• Ignoring program requirements.
• Failing to demonstrate commitment to completing all training sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the CHANGE Program?

Director-producer teams from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Sakartvelo (Georgia), Moldova, and Ukraine developing documentary projects.

Is participation free?

Yes. Participation is free, and the program covers travel, accommodation, meals, and training costs.

What expenses must participants pay themselves?

Participants are responsible only for their local transportation expenses.

Can journalism-based documentary projects apply?

Yes. Documentary projects that combine journalism and filmmaking are encouraged.

Where is the final workshop held?

The final masterclass takes place during CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, where participants prepare for international market entry.

What language is used during the program?

English is the working language, and participants must be fluent.

What are the main benefits of joining the program?

Participants receive expert mentoring, project development support, international networking opportunities, market preparation, and exposure to global documentary professionals.

Conclusion

The CHANGE Co-Production Training Program offers an outstanding opportunity for documentary filmmakers from Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus to strengthen their projects through international mentorship, professional training, and global networking. By combining intensive masterclasses with real-world market access, the initiative helps emerging documentary teams transform compelling ideas into internationally competitive productions while fostering collaboration and meaningful storytelling across borders.