Documentary Fund Focuses on Pressures Facing European Democracy
Guardian Documentaries and arte.tv have opened a short documentary film fund focused on the theme ‘Democracy at Stake in Europe’. The initiative is intended to support the development and production of a character-led documentary short exploring threats, pressures and challenges facing democratic societies across Europe.
The aim of the initiative is to amplify personal stories that help audiences understand democracy in Europe today and to stimulate public debate. Suggested areas of focus include press freedom, civic trust and democratic participation.
One project will receive £10,000 in production support. Alongside the financial award, the selected filmmaker will receive editorial and creative input from the partners, with distribution through Guardian and arte.tv platforms.
Applications are open to European filmmakers aged 18 or over. The call is focused on a single short documentary and is intended for projects where individual experience and perspective are central to telling a wider story about democratic life in Europe.
The funding can be used for work linked to the film’s development and production. This may include activities required to move from concept to a completed short, such as research, filming and post-production, subject to the applicant’s proposed budget and plan.
The deadline for applications is 14 September 2026.
