AU-EU Youth Voices Lab Open Call for Young Filmmakers – Power of the Collective
The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective for young filmmakers has opened a rolling recruitment campaign. This program targets emerging filmmakers aged 18-35 across specific countries in Africa and Europe. Applications started on March 25, 2026, with no set deadline. Selected creatives will produce short documentaries on youth-led advocacy and social transformation. They can earn grants from €765 to €1800 per project while joining a pre-vetted network to amplify youth voices.
The initiative builds a diverse database of emerging filmmakers from Africa and Europe. These young filmmakers will document youth-led advocacy, community impact, and social transformation. They create short documentaries that run 3 to 15 minutes, along with social media edits and event highlights. This work fosters cross-continental dialogue and boosts visibility for young changemakers. Participants partner with groups like Restless Development. They gain chances to expand their professional portfolios through international collaborations.
Key Takeaways
- The program recruits filmmakers aged 18-35 from select African and European countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Belgium on a rolling basis with no deadline.
- Participants create 3-15 minute short documentaries on youth advocacy and social change, plus social media content, while earning grants from €765 to €1800 per project.
- Ideal candidates have experience in filming human stories, own their equipment, and can travel, with payments split 50% at production start and 50% upon approval.
- Apply by checking eligibility, gathering your portfolio, and submitting via the official link to join a network boosting youth visibility.
Eligible locations include:
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Belgium
- Cameroon
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Creatives based in these countries can apply to join the Power of the Collective network.
The project goal centers on empowering young people and youth-led groups. It helps them advocate their concerns at local, national, continental, and cross-continental levels. This ties into the AU-EU partnership in Africa. Filmmakers produce content that sparks dialogue and raises visibility for these efforts.
Ideal filmmakers meet key requirements. They must be 18-35 years old when starting an assignment. Other qualifications include:
- Proven experience filming human impact stories, project documentaries, and outdoor youth-centered events.
- Strong skills in camera operation, sound capture, and editing.
- Ownership of all necessary tools and equipment.
- Ability to offer technical support, such as storytelling techniques and narrative structure.
- Willingness to travel.
- Familiarity with the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab or similar youth programs (a plus).
- Excellent communication skills and openness to feedback.
Restless Development provides grants of €765 to €1800 per project upon engagement. Filmmakers invoice based on agreed outputs, timelines, and quality. Payments follow a clear schedule, as shown below:
| Milestone | Percentage | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Start of production | 50% | Advance payment upon agreement |
| Completion and approval | 50% | After satisfactory deliverables |
All payments depend on progress and Restless Development’s approval.
This rolling recruitment has no application deadline. Filmmakers can apply anytime to build the database. For full details and terms of reference, visit the official webpage. A simple process helps get started:
- Check if you meet the age and location requirements.
- Gather a portfolio with samples of your storytelling, filming, and editing work.
- Submit your application through the official link.
Related opportunities offer more paths for young changemakers:
- GYBN Transformative Futures Fellowships 2026 (fully funded for global youth leaders).
- Africa CDC Biomanufacturing Fellowship Programme 2026 (fully funded for biomanufacturing innovators).
The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab offers a unique chance for emerging filmmakers to document youth-led change, build networks, and earn grants through the Power of the Collective program. With rolling applications and no deadline, now is the time to showcase your skills and join this cross-continental effort. Check the official webpage, prepare your portfolio, and apply today to amplify young voices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab?
Filmmakers aged 18-35 based in countries like Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, Belgium, and others listed can apply if they have relevant experience.
What kind of projects will selected filmmakers work on?
They will produce short documentaries (3-15 minutes) on youth-led advocacy and social transformation, including social media edits and event highlights.
How do the grants work and when are they paid?
Grants range from €765 to €1800 per project, paid 50% at production start and 50% after approval of deliverables.
Is there a deadline for applications?
No, it’s a rolling recruitment, so you can apply anytime by submitting your portfolio through the official webpage.