What does it mean to be young in your country today?
Pitch a character for a documentary film about young people in your country
This is more than an application assignment. Your story could become part of a real documentary film exploring what it means to be young in your country today.
We are looking for authentic stories told from the perspective of young people themselves—not the version adults imagine, but the reality you and your generation experience every day.
Great documentaries begin with compelling characters. We want to meet someone whose story helps us better understand the lives, challenges, dreams, and realities of young people in your country.
Step 1 – Choose a topic
Think about one issue, experience, or idea that deserves more attention.
It can focus on a challenge or on something positive and inspiring. What matters most is that the topic is meaningful to you and that you genuinely believe it is worth sharing.
Step 2 – Introduce your character
Present a character whose story reflects the reality of young people in your country today.
Your character may be inspired by yourself, a friend, a family member, or someone you have observed. Please do not use anyone’s real name or identifiable personal information without their permission.
Introduce your character by including:
● name (real or fictional);
● age;
● what they do (student, athlete, musician, etc.);
● how their story connects to your chosen topic.
Whenever possible, allow your character to speak in their own voice. Encourage them to talk about their experiences, concerns, dreams, relationships, and everyday life.
We would also like to see the world they live in. Include footage or photographs of their surroundings, daily activities, and meaningful moments. A visually rich portrait is much more engaging than a simple talking-head interview.
Step 3 – Tell us why this story matters
In 3–5 sentences, explain:
● Why should this story be told now?
● What would be lost if nobody ever told it?
Choose the format that suits you best
Option 1 — Video
Create a 2–5 minute documentary portrait.
Show us your character, their environment, everyday life, emotions, sounds, and details. Remember: let the images tell the story as much as the words.
Option 2 — Written story with photographs
Write a story of 1–2 pages and include several photographs that you have taken yourself.
Tips
There is no such thing as a “perfect” character.
Your protagonist does not need to be extraordinary, famous, or inspirational. An ordinary young person can tell an extraordinary story.
Your character can also be:
● yourself;
● your local community;
● a fictional character;
● or even a character created with the help of artificial intelligence.
We are not looking for the “right answer.” We simply want to discover how you see the world.
Be curious. Be creative. Surprise us.
Submission guidelines
● Written submissions must be submitted as a PDF.
● Video submissions should be uploaded to failiem.lv. Send the download link to info@avantis.lv with the subject line:
Creative Assignment – Young Media Sharks 2026
Please include your full name both in the file name and inside your submission.
Submitted materials may be used for promotional purposes related to Young Media Sharks. If you do not wish your work to be used publicly, please indicate this in your email.
Please also specify whether your character is real or fictional.
Your submission may be created in your native language. However:
● written submissions must include an English translation;
● video submissions must include English subtitles.
How to submit
1. Complete the online application form at: www.youngmediasharks.eu
2. Send your completed creative assignment to info@avantis.lv by 10 August 2026 (23:59 EEST).
Email subject:
Creative Assignment – Young Media Sharks 2026
Good luck!
We can’t wait to discover your story.
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted an application. If you have completed the application form, you will also receive these detailed instructions by email.