The annual Student Bursary Scheme has been running since 2001, and in that time the One World Broadcasting Trust has supported over 50 students to make films in the developing world and to raise awareness of global issues. Until 2004 the scheme was open to film students in the UK only, but in 2005 the Trust broadened the scope of the programme and invited applications from film students in some developing countries.

Overview

The aims of the UK and overseas bursary schemes are overlapping and complimentary. Both schemes aim to highlight personal stories from around the world, and to promote intercultural dialogue and increased mutual understanding.

The UK students are encouraged to look beyond the stereotypical coverage of the developing world, which so often focuses on disaster and hardship, and make films that raise awareness of the diversity of everyday life and the interconnectedness of different people and cultures around the world.

The overseas bursaries provide us with an illuminating view of British culture, as viewed through the eyes of a foreigner, and allow participating students to build up useful contacts for the future. 

Ultimately, both schemes aim to contribute to a new generation of film-makers around the world, who are aware of the pressing global issues affecting every one of us, and who are skilled at bringing these issues to a wider audience.

UK Bursaries

The UK bursaries are open to anyone studying at a registered UK film school. In the past the Trust has supported students from 15 UK film schools - there is a list of those schools here. However, the Trust is always keen to work with new institutions. The tutors at each of the film schools are highly involved with the scheme - they publicise the initiative, assist students with their applications, and help guide successful students through the filmmaking process.

In 2008 the UK bursary scheme will take on some new elements. Firstly, the One World Broadcasting Trust will organise a two-day workshop for the successful bursary students, which will take place before the students go overseas. This workshop will cover specific skills relevant to filming in developing countries, including working in hostile environments, insurance, releases and consents, cultural sensitivity, as well as how to avoid common stereotypes about developing countries in the final film. Then, after the films are complete, the students will attend a one-day feedback screening in which 3-4 documentary and broadcast professionals will view the films and provide detailed feedback. The Trust hopes these elements will provide more comprehensive support to the students, and make them better equipped to progress in the film and television industry.

The UK scheme is initiated each year in February, when a call for applications is circulated to various film schools and institutions. Each application must include a detailed description and plan for the student's film. The One World Broadcasting Trust works with its board of Trustees, the film school tutors, plus a group of documentary professionals and consultants, to select the successful applications. A final selection is announced, and the two-day workshop then takes place in late May. For more details on the timetable, see how to apply.

The students then move into production. The students must arrange their equipment, organise travel, and potentially find camera and sound operators to work with. Through its consultants the One World Broadcasting Trust provides practical and editorial advice to the students as their projects progress, in consultation with their course tutors. After production is complete, the feedback session takes place in October/November.

Overseas Bursaries

The overseas bursaries began in 2005, when the Trust decided to internationalise the scheme and start making links between film-making students in the UK and overseas. In 2005 the Trust supported one student from the National Film and Television Institute of India to make his final year documentary in the UK. Another student came from India in the following year, while in 2007, students from India, Cuba and South Africa took part.

The timetable for the overseas scheme varies from one student to the next. For example, some students are able to spend more time in the UK than others. However, their filming takes place at a similar time to the UK bursary recipients (May-August), and they too are supported by the Trust's team of consultants and experts.