Al Jazeera Documentary (AJD) has opened the call for its third annual Industry Days, set to unfold in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 14th to 16th September 2024. This pivotal event provides a unique platform for documentary filmmakers from #Southeast Europe#, the #Caucasus, the #Middle East#, and #North Africa#, offering an opportunity to secure additional funding and support.

Documentary projects at all stages of development and production are welcome to apply, with the initiative specifically targeting independent filmmakers and production companies. The AJD Industry Days categorise submissions into three main sections: the Main Pitch for projects at any development stage, Rough Cut for those nearing completion, and Balkan Stars focusing on the early stages suitable for regional and international co-productions.

The forum serves as a critical nexus for creatives to present their ideas directly to decision-makers from Al Jazeera Media Network and a host of other leading industry professionals. The selection process, free of charge for all applicants, promises to funnel high-quality documentaries to a global audience, facilitating international co-productions.

Entries are accepted through a dedicated submission form on the AJD website until 31 May, 2024, with successful applicants notified by the end of July. Alongside project pitches, the Industry Days offer extensive networking opportunities, aiming to enhance the documentary landscape with innovative and impactful stories.

With a prize fund comparable to the previous year’s $100,000, the event underscores Al Jazeera’s commitment to nurturing documentary talent and content that resonates on a global scale. The AJD Industry Days coincide with the Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival, further cementing the event’s status as a cornerstone for documentary excellence regionally and internationally.