Guardian Documentaries has announced a new storytelling partnership with arte.tv, inviting filmmakers to pitch short documentaries on the theme of democracy in Europe today. The initiative, titled "Democracy at Stake in Europe," aims to bear witness and provoke debate among global online audiences amid rising pressures on democratic systems across the continent.
What to Pitch
Filmmakers are encouraged to submit short documentaries with deeply human stories and creative approaches that reveal how political shifts are lived, felt, resisted, defended, or exploited in everyday life. Through closely observed personal journeys, these films should illuminate the larger forces shaping democratic life, including erosion and renewal, apathy and activism, fear and hope. The goal is to sustain an informed public, which is the lifeblood of democratic society.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Short films with a maximum running time of 20 minutes.
- Projects at any stage of production or post-production that will be completed by or before spring 2027.
- Films in any language are accepted, but the pitch must be written in English.
- Filmmakers of all experience levels and backgrounds from across the world, aged 18 or over, are welcome.
- Feature-length films or series will not be considered.
Timeline and Submission
Pitching opens on 11 June, and the deadline for submissions is 14 September 2026. The winning project will be announced at DOK Leipzig in October 2026. After submitting the pitching form, filmmakers will receive an automatic confirmation email. If not received, they should contact pitches.documentaries@theguardian.com. Multiple submissions are discouraged.
Funding and Publication
One winning submission will receive up to £10,000 (€11,500) in funding, along with editorial support, marketing, and distribution on Guardian Documentaries and arte.tv digital networks.
How to Submit
Filmmakers should complete the pitching form, detailing their access, story, characters, and filmmaking approach, and must include sample material with proposed contributors. The form is encrypted, and responses are secure and confidential, accessible only to the Guardian and Arte.
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