Since 2001 OWBT has established an educational bursary scheme whereby financial and editorial assistance is provided to film students in the UK for making their final year documentary film. Young filmmakers are given the opportunity to record personal stories about the interconnectedness of different cultures and identities, to share these stories with larger audiences and promote intercultural dialogue and increased mutual understanding.

Based on the premise that television, both in the UK and abroad, needs to expand its horizons in today’s global society, OWBT aims to encourage outstanding young film makers to tackle issues affecting the wider world, in particular the diversity of everyday life rather than point their cameras at disaster, disease and dictatorships which is all too often the focus of media coverage.

In February each year a call for applications is circulated to over 10 participating film schools and institutions in the UK to invite students to apply for a grant towards their final year documentary film.

Proposals are received from students and evaluated in consultation with the film schools. A final selection is made in April, with the advice of documentary professionals from OWBT’s board of Trustees as well as external advisors.

Through its consultants OWBT provides mentoring and editorial advice to the students as their filming projects progress in consultation with their course tutors.

In November each year the bursary scheme culminates in a much anticipated film screening at Channel 4 to an audience including UK and overseas broadcasters, TV commissioners, the course tutors of the participating film schools and the students themselves. The occasion lends itself as a unique opportunity for the film makers to meet each other and network with industry professionals in an inspiring and informal atmosphere.

Overseas bursaries

In recent years OWBT has felt the need to internationalise its film bursary scheme and try to build a bridge between film students in the UK and students from the developing world.  In 2005 and 2006 the scheme was expanded to assist for the first time, film students from the Film and Television Institute of India to make a documentary in the UK. The end products were films that revealed a unique insight into British culture and society as seen through the eyes of a foreigner.

In 2007 OWBT is offering further opportunities to talented young film makers from Cuba and South Africa to allow students to spend time filming a documentary outside their home country covering stories and impressions of the UK, as well make valuable contacts for the future.

The scheme relies on the generous support of  UK film schools (Salford University, London Film School and the National Film and Television Schools) who provide camera equipment and mentoring during the students stay in the UK.

The completed documentaries will be showcased at the film screening event at Channel 4. OWBT is also able to provide useful contacts within the various UK terrestrial and digital channels for potential broadcast opportunities.

Through this bursary scheme OWBT seeks to address the need for more international educational opportunities for young documentary film makers in the UK and overseas which are currently few and far between.