PORTENIER HUMAN RIGHTS BURSARY RULES
1. The Portenier Human Rights Bursary is open to any independent journalist or documentary filmmaker in the world, regardless of citizenship or residency. The definition of journalists and filmmakers includes reporters, producers, directors, audio and/or video specialists and fixers, without restriction as to the medium in which they work.
2. The bursary is not open to employees or contract employees of major media companies.
3. There will be a maximum of one award per year, to a maximum amount of $3,000 Canadian.
4. The purpose of the bursary is to provide safety training for experienced or novice journalists or documentary makers working independently in the field of human rights. Applicants should be able to demonstrate (a) a clear track record in, or demonstrable commitment to, casting light on human rights abuses, especially but not exclusively human rights abuses against women and children, and (b) an upcoming assignment or project with such a human rights focus
5. Applicants must also show that they have important story ideas, a clear focus and sufficient funding for their project or documentary as to make its completion likely. Applications which do not, in the opinion of the organizers, provide reasonable evidence of project financing will not be sent to the jury. This bursary is intended to assist only with hostile environment and associated training, not general production costs.
6. The bursary winner will be required to attend an approved course provided by any one of the course providers listed at the time on the Forum’s website. Funds may be applied to course fees and reasonable travel, food and accommodation costs, supported by receipts. Bursaries may not cover the full costs of course fees and travel. Bursary winners will be responsible for all costs in excess of the bursary amount.
7. Within two months of notification, successful applicants must secure a place on the course of their choice with one of the approved course providers. The course must begin within 9 months of the applicant’s notification, unless an extension is granted under exceptional circumstances.
8. Part of the course fee may be payable by the bursary winner to the course provider in advance. Where a bursary-holder fails to make such payment to the course provider in advance of course commencement, in the manner the course provider stipulates, the whole bursary may be annulled.
9. Bursaries will be awarded by an independent jury. All decisions, including determinations of eligibility, are final.
10. Applicants are required to fill out the application form, supply a professional c.v., submit evidence of relevant work, provide two references from persons of appropriate standing who can speak to the nature and quality of the applicant’s work and her/his commitment to exploring human rights issues, together with his/her need for hostile environment training. Persons named as referees must have consented to be contacted. Applicants must write approximately 500 words outlining their case for consideration.
11. Successful applicants will be required to sign an agreement including an indemnity recognizing that safety training is provided in good faith and that neither the Forum, its officers, directors or agents nor any of the financial supporters, their officers, directors or agents will be liable for damages relating to incidents during the training or consequent to that training.
12. Applications may be submitted in English or French, but applicants may be required to demonstrate that they have adequate understanding of the language of instruction, which for all courses currently approved is English.