PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This combined virtual and in-person course is designed to introduce participants to the creative and professional aspects of natural history filmmaking, with a focus on real-world industry practices, mentorship, and expert feedback that will help them develop strong documentary concepts and prepare them for future production and conservation impact. It is presented by The VII Foundation and Nature Through Her Eyes (NTHE). NTHE is a women-led conservation storytelling initiative that advances excellence, equity, and global impact in wildlife and natural history filmmaking.
The program combines online learning, mentorship, practical project development, an in-person masterclass in Sarajevo, and monetary grants to help further projects. Participants will work alongside a regional cohort of women storytellers as they develop original natural history and conservation film concepts.
The goal of the course is to foster a collaborative, women-led regional community that is prepared to enter the global wildlife and natural history filmmaking field.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Eight participants will be selected through the open call to participate in both the online training program and the in-person masterclass in Sarajevo.
The program includes:
- Virtual learning and mentorship
- Practical project development
- An in-person masterclass in Sarajevo
- Expert feedback from industry professionals
- A regional cohort of women storytellers
- Project development grants
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT GRANT
Each participant who successfully completes the program will receive a EUR 1,250 project development grant to help advance their documentary concept.
Grants may be used for project-related development activities, including:
- Research
- Fieldwork
- Pilot filming
- Story development
- Location scouting
- Production planning
- Editing and post-production
- Translation and transcription
- Preparing projects for future commissioning and fundraising opportunities
PARTICIPANT
Participation in the program is free of charge. Selected participants will also attend the in-person workshop in Sarajevo. Travel and accommodation bursaries will be provided in accordance with program guidelines.
Apply using the application form here.
ABOUT NATURE THROUGH HER EYES
Nature Through Her Eyes (NTHE) is a program of The VII Foundation. NTHE is a women-led conservation storytelling initiative that advances excellence, equity, and global impact in wildlife and natural history filmmaking.
This course serves as an introduction to the Nature Through Her Eyes standard of excellence in natural history filmmaking, including rigorous narrative development and ethical conservation filmmaking practices. Through structured instruction and critical discussion, participants will develop grounded story concepts on a foundation of discipline, integrity, and ambition expected of filmmakers working within the NTHE community.
By bringing together participants from different countries and backgrounds to learn, create, and exchange perspectives, the program seeks to encourage long-term regional collaboration in order to educate and bring awareness to critical conservation issues in the region.
Through collaborative learning and peer-to-peer exchange, participants will develop professional relationships within their cohort and become part of the wider Nature Through Her Eyes network.
WHY NATURAL HISTORY FILMMAKING?
Wildlife and natural history filmmaking is a global, multi-million-dollar industry that showcases the wonders of the natural world and inspires conservation efforts. Because ecosystems and environmental challenges transcend political boundaries, this form of storytelling also creates opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and relationship-building across communities.
By working together around shared natural heritage, participants will develop constructive narratives that foster mutual understanding, trust, and regional cooperation.
PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT
Through the support of RED Digital Cinema, participants will have access to professional cinema cameras during the in-person workshop in Sarajevo, providing valuable hands-on experience with industry-standard filmmaking equipment.
JOIN VII COMMUNITY
Upon completion of the program, participants will become part of
VII Community, a global network of nearly 1,400 photographers, filmmakers, journalists, and visual storytellers connected through The VII Foundation’s educational programs.
Through collaborative storytelling rooted in shared environmental challenges and natural heritage, the program contributes to strengthening dialogue, inclusion, and trust among young women across the region.
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Through collaborative storytelling rooted in shared environmental challenges and natural heritage, the program contributes to strengthening dialogue, inclusion, and trust among young women across the region.
The program is implemented by The VII Foundation and Nature Through Her Eyes and supported by UNESCO through the United Nations regional initiative Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust, in partnership with the French Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The joint regional United Nations initiative ‘Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust’ empowers young people to engage in constructive narratives, strengthen intercultural dialogue, inclusion, gender equality and create mutual understanding and trust. Collaboratively, UNESCO, UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women, and relevant partners from the public sector, media, civil society, academia and culture – are working together with youth to increase comprehension and respect for diversity in the region, financially supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund.
