FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS GLOBAL FELLOWSHIPS

FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS

The FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) fellowship program sends experienced filmmakers and educators around the world to teach filmmaking, media literacy, and technology skills to students from underserved communities. Fellowship placements are available across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Overview

Introduction

  • FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. Through various grants, educational resources, and overseas fellowships, FWB provides youth from underserved communities with the technical training, media literacy skills, and digital tools to leverage the creative process as a means for interpreting their role in their society. FWB’s flagship fellowship provides funding, equipment, curriculum, and support for volunteer educators to teach filmmaking across Africa, Asia, & Latin America for 10-12 months – fully funded. Fellows teach on a daily basis and students create their own multimedia projects, develop team-building and leadership skills, and learn how to use technology to share their stories.

Goals & Objectives

  • to empower the next generation of digital storytellers
  • to connect communities and cultures with digital tools
  • to harness the filmmaking process as a vehicle for cultural exchange
  • to teach filmmaking to students from underserved communities
  • to teach media literacy to students from underserved communities
  • to teach technology skills to students from underserved communities

Core Duties

  • Fellows live and work in an underserved community for 12 months.
  • Fellows teach regularly-scheduled classes to local students on a daily basis (MTWThF).
  • Fellows mentor local students and help them create their own multimedia projects.
  • Fellows produce a creative portfolio that includes photography and video-based projects. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants from any country are encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants should be highly flexible, mature, and have a genuine interest in teaching.
  • Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree (in film studies/education or a related field).
  • Applicants should have at least 2 years of film/media-related experience.
  • Applicants should have a minimum of 6 months (cumulative) in/formal teaching experience.
  • Applicants should be proficient in relevant digital technologies.
  • Applicants should be able to provide samples of their work.

Fellowship Duration

  • Most overseas fellowships are 12 months in length and are aligned with the host country’s academic calendar.  Fellows teach during the fall and spring semesters and conduct specialized workshops during the summer session. 
  • Please note, short-term fellowships are not available.

FWB is committed to diversity and equality.

  • FWB provides equal consideration for all qualified candidates. FWB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability unrelated to job requirements, genetic information, military service, or other protected status.

Funding & Logistics

All overseas fellowships are fully-funded.

  • round trip international airfare included
  • housing/accommodation (10 months – 12 months) included
  • food (3 meals/day, 7 days/week, 52 weeks/year) included
  • customized curriculum and lesson plans included
  • classroom equipment (cameras, microphones, laptop, software, etc.) included
  • additional educational resources included
  • 24/7/52 support included

Flights & Transportation

  • FWB provides all Fellows with round trip international airfare from their city of residence to their respective placement site. All flights include a luggage allowance.
  • Local transportation to/from the teaching site is provided on a daily basis. This may be provided in the form of a school sponsored bus/shuttle or a cash stipend for local buses/taxis. Housing is located within walking distance of the teaching site whenever possible.

Meals & Accommodation

  • All Fellows receive three meals per day for the full duration of the fellowship. These meals may be provided in various forms. In some countries, the meals are provided directly by the school or host organization. In other countries, a cash stipend is provided. All meals are commensurate with local standards.
  • All Fellows are provided housing for the full duration of the fellowship. Housing varies from country to country and may be provided in any of the following forms: private/shared staff accommodation, a private/shared apartment, a local homestay. In all cases, Fellows are provided a private furnished bedroom. All accommodation includes running water, electricity, and internet access and is commensurate with local standards. All utilities are also included. Housing is located within walking distance of the teaching site whenever possible.

Communication & Support

  • In addition to the day-to-day support provided by in-country partners, FWB utilizes a variety of online tools (email, GDrive, Skype) to communicate with overseas Fellows throughout the full duration of the fellowship. Each week, Fellows submit a variety of class reports, surveys, student work, photos, and videos to their designated FWB supervisor. The FWB supervisor then provides detailed written feedback to the Fellow on a weekly basis. Additionally, the Fellow and the FWB supervisor participate in a monthly video conference call.

Visas

  • All Fellows receive support in obtaining visas for the full duration of the fellowship. Visa types and related procedures vary from country to country. In most cases, Fellows receive a work visa or a volunteer visa and official sponsorship from the in-country host organization/school. In some cases, visa runs are required. Please note that Fellows are responsible for obtaining their visas, securing all supporting documents, and covering all related costs.

Health & Safety

  • FWB’s number one priority is the health and safety of participating Fellows. In-country orientation includes a thorough review of health and safety issues as well as practical information to enable Fellows to stay safe and well. Throughout the year, the host organization/school and community serve as a support system as Fellows navigate their new country. Although most of the countries where FWB works do not have medical facilities comparable to those in the United States or Europe, FWB avoids placing Fellows at sites that do not have access to adequate medical care.
  • FWB assists Fellows in obtaining country-specific medical and emergency evacuation insurance. All Fellows are required to maintain a minimum standard of coverage for the full duration of the fellowship. Please note that Fellows are responsible for obtaining their insurance policy, securing all supporting documents, and covering all related costs.

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