Sphera Open Call for independent European media

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Sphera Network invites independent European media outlets to submit ideas for short documentaries, aimed at exploring critical social issues through the lens of personal narratives and human-centered storytelling. The initiative also seeks to engage young Europeans (18-25 year-old) in discussions about social issues such as climate change, justice, human rights, and immigration through compelling, human-centered narratives. At Sphera we believe that local independent media are the best places to do that. 

We are looking for fresh, innovative perspectives to amplify voices from regions where independent media coverage is limited. Our aim is to empower independent media outlets, everywhere in Europe to share vital, cross-border stories with European youth (aged 18-25).

We are searching for independent media outlets with experience in video reporting or documentary filmmaking who want to explore cross-border perspectives and share stories with a European focus. We’re particularly interested in media outlets that:

  • Prioritise fact-checked, independent journalism
  • Have a track record in producing high-quality journalism
  • Are committed to covering social issues from a human-centered perspective
  • Want to create stories that are original, innovative, and culturally relevant

Possible topics we are interested in are:

  • Social issues (e.g. migration, identity, belonging…)
  • Human rights (e.g. Gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, labour rights…)
  • Cultural stories (e.g. Youth movements, social change, personal journeys…)
  • Environmental issues (e.g. Climate change, sustainability, climate justice…)

Target Audience:

  • European youth (aged 18-25)
  • Interested in human-centered issues, with a moderate yet committed outlook on society and politics

Primarily active on digital platforms, including YouTube and social media

You are eligible to apply if:

  • You are based in one of the 27 European Union countries and Ukraine (excluding Belgium, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain)
  • You produce information in one of these European languages (German, English, Bulgarian, Croatian, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Irish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Swedish, Czech, Ukrainian)
  • You are an independent media outlet – no individuals are eligible for this call;
  • You are committed to producing high-quality, fact-checked content;
  • You share Sphera’s core values: democracy, human dignity, freedom, and respect for human rights;
  • You have some experience in video production, but are looking to expand your editorial coverage with cross-border perspectives;
  • Your content focuses on social issues, culture, youth,and/or the environment;

You target a young audience, specifically Gen Z.

More information available here