One World Media is now accepting applications for the 2025 One World Media Fellowship, its flagship programme designed to support and empower mid-career journalists and documentary filmmakers from the Global South.
The Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to develop impactful non-fiction storytelling that challenges stereotypes, amplifies underrepresented voices, and brings attention to critical yet underreported stories.
Since its inception in 2001, One World Media has nurtured nearly 300 emerging talents, enabling them to report from over 100 countries. Through mentoring, grants, and access to industry expertise, the Fellowship helps to elevate the work of filmmakers, writers, photographers, and audio producers committed to media excellence and social justice.
Fellowship Overview
Deadline: 20 August 2025
Fellows Announced: November 2025
Each year, One World Media selects a cohort of 10 exceptional fellows from across the global south. Fellows receive funding, mentorship, and tailored support to produce original non-fiction stories focused on communities and issues within low- and middle-income countries. This year, the programme is expanding—thanks to new partnerships and funding streams—to offer a broader range of opportunities and support structures to suit different project formats and stages of production.
The Fellowship is specifically aimed at mid-career professionals working in non-fiction media, including film, print, audio, photography, and multimedia. Candidates should demonstrate a strong journalistic or documentary background and a clear commitment to advancing their careers through impactful, ethical storytelling.
What Fellows Receive
Selected fellows benefit from a robust package of support, including:
- Reporting grants between £1,000–£3,000 to support production costs
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced industry professionals
- Executive Producer oversight to guide the project’s development and final delivery
- Workshops and masterclasses led by global media experts
- Opportunities to connect with major outlets and editors for potential publication or broadcast
- Access to a vibrant alumni network of international journalists and filmmakers
- Membership in the One World Media community, offering continued engagement and collaboration
Who Should Apply
The Fellowship is open to mid-career journalists and filmmakers from the Global South with a strong background in non-fiction storytelling. Applicants should present compelling, original story ideas that are either in pre-production or ready to be developed further with Fellowship support.
One World Media is particularly committed to nurturing diverse talent and strongly encourages applications from individuals from historically underrepresented groups—including people of colour, ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.
Ideal candidates will:
- Have a proven track record in journalism, filmmaking, or related non-fiction media
- Be based in or reporting from low- and middle-income countries in the global south
- Propose a story with clear access to contributors and potential outlets
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of ethical reporting and accountability
- Show how the Fellowship will help them advance their career or bring a significant project to life
Project Criteria
The Fellowship is focused on supporting non-fiction media projects that aim to:
- Highlight underreported issues or perspectives from the Global South
- Center the voices of local people, especially those not often featured in mainstream media
- Reflect the integrity, creativity, and originality of the Fellow
- Incorporate ethical and fair practices in both storytelling and production
Eligible projects must meet the following criteria:
- Be in the pre-production phase
- Be deliverable within 12 months (e.g., 10-minute films, 1,500-word print pieces, or 30-minute audio/multimedia stories)
- Have a majority of the budget already secured or realistically achievable within a short timeframe
- Be suitable for publication or broadcast through established media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, professional news websites, and digital platforms
Application Process
Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly before submitting. One World Media offers a free online course to help develop story ideas and proposal writing skills. Completion of this course is highly recommended, and applicants may upload their certificate of completion as part of their submission.
Application Requirements Include:
- Completed application form
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Work samples
- Certificate of course completion (optional but recommended)
Applications must be submitted by 20 August 2025 at 11:59 PM (BST).
For further details on eligibility, guidelines, and FAQs, visit the One World Media Fellowship page or reach out via email at contact@oneworldmedia.org.uk.