programs and events 2007

Documentary Center GWU/ECA Fellowship

December 5, 2007

The Documentary Center, George Washington University and the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, US Department of State is pleased to announce a call for applications for the newly-formed Documentary Center GWU/ECA Fellowship in Documentary Filmmaking. 

This Fellowship is a comprehensive six-week program occurring May 18 - June 30, 2008.  We are seeking ten filmmakers from five emerging nations to participate in this Fellowship Program.

The goals of this fellowship are the following: 

• To encourage the development of documentary filmmakers from emerging nations;

• To heighten the awareness of the work of these individuals in front of program executives from the US and other Western broadcast and funding outlets; and

• To engage these non-fiction innovators in an international dialogue to enhance the development, production, and distribution of documentary film across the globe. 

During the course of this program, fellows will have the opportunity to make three short films – two in Washington, DC and one in New York City using the state-of-the-art production and editing equipment provided by the School of Media and Public Affairs at GWU in a very “hands-on” exploration of the documentary form.  Further, fellows will participate in round-table discussions with notable US filmmakers and will meet representatives from major broadcast networks such as PBS, National Geographic, and Discovery Communications.  Further, fellows will attend SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival, including the 2008 International Documentary Conference that convenes during the annual SILVERDOCS Festival, June 16-22, 2008.

The ideal candidate for this program will be an individual who has a basic knowledge - whether practical and/or theoretical -- of visual modes of communication, particularly relevant will be individuals who have a background in film, television, media, studies, film theory, documentary, or television news.  Eligible candidates will NOT be students, but rather individuals who have either completed a terminal degree (commensurate with the US Bachelor of Arts) OR who have at least two years in a relevant field.  Graduate students could be potential candidates.  Preference will be given to candidates who have both relevant academic credentials as well as practical experience. 

English will be the common language between instructors and fellows and amongst fellows themselves.  Therefore, a working knowledge of English is a prerequisite for acceptance into this program. 

All expenses for this fellowship, including international travel (including necessary in-country travel costs to acquire a US Visa), accommodations, per diem food stipend, domestic travel, equipment and materials costs, and registration and tuition fees are provided.  Costs for outside entertainment or travel not part of the fellowship program are not covered.  Students will reside in the dormitories on the GW campus, located in the heart of Washington, DC six blocks from the White House and within walking distance of all monuments, Smithsonian Museums, and the Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro. 

The Documentary Center is a division of The Center for Innovative Media within the School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University.  Since 1991, The Center has been training emerging filmmakers from all walks of life from across the globe in the art and craft of documentary filmmaking.  For more information about the Documentary Center, please go to www.gwu.edu/doccenter.

Natural opportunities for outreach for applicants to this program include: colleges and universities that have the following departments:  Film, television, media, languages and literature, art and photography.  Further, outreach should be made to local and national television stations and radio broadcast outlets, film festivals and cultural organizations that support the visual and performing arts. 

An application, resume, work sample(s), technical questionnaire, and personal statement are required. Interested applicants should submit the required materials to the U.S. Embassy (Public Diplomacy Section) by January 7, 2008. 

Download the application form.

For questions about application information for candidates in Lebanon, please contact:

Edith Bitar
Public Diplomacy
U.S. Embassy
Awkar
bitarev@state.gov

For questions about this fellowship, please contact:

Nina Gilden Seavey
Director
The Documentary Center
School of Media and Public Affairs
The George Washington University
Washington, DC 
(202) 994-6787 (voice)
seavey@gwu.edu