Ukraine has begun accepting applications for the fourth season of the Reporter 2025 National Student Video Contest, an initiative that helps students in grades 9-11 take their first steps in the world of journalism, learn to think critically, and tell true stories through video.
The Reporter competition is implemented by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine's national media literacy project Filter, with the support and co-financing of the Council of Europe's project Protecting Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom in Ukraine – Phase II, in partnership with the OSCE, Public Broadcasting, and the Ukrainian Catholic University.
Participants must create a short video story (up to 3 minutes) that corresponds to one of four themes:
- Youth during the war: about dreams, education, volunteering, and the strength of a generation.
- Women who hold the rear: inspiring stories of mothers, teachers, doctors, and volunteers.
- Culture during war: music, theater, cinema, and performances that give strength;
- Truth or fiction: a story about how we consume information and distinguish truth from manipulation.
Who can participate?
Students in grades 9-11 from all regions of Ukraine are invited to participate.
Applications can be submitted individually or in teams of up to three people.
Videos are accepted in any format – from short reports to interview stories or mini-documentaries.
How to apply?
Take a short mini-test on media literacy.
This will help us assess how well you navigate the world of information and facts.
Prepare your own video story of up to 3 minutes in horizontal format on one of the competition topics and submit it via the online form.
Wait for the results of the evaluation by the expert jury.
After the selection process is complete, the jury will select 50 finalists whose works will be shortlisted. The ten best authors will receive invitations to Reporter Camp 2025, which will take place this year in Lviv. Reporter Camp is a three-day program with lectures, workshops, meetings with journalists, and an awards ceremony.
Why is this necessary?
Reporter is not just about video. It is about the ability to think, ask questions, and hear the truth. The competition helps young people develop storytelling, fact-checking, teamwork, and confident communication skills — the very competencies that shape responsible citizens and future journalists.
The deadline for submissions is January 2, 2026.
🌐 Details: https://filter.mcsc.gov.ua/
📩 Contact: [email protected]