Media release
21 July 2026
Young creators from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are invited to apply for Young Media Sharks — an international media camp that brings together emerging storytellers, filmmakers, journalists, and digital creators with leading media professionals from Latvia and abroad.
Taking place in Sigulda, Latvia, from 24–29 August 2026, the camp offers a unique opportunity for young people aged 14–20 to explore the world of media through hands-on learning, creative collaboration, and direct mentorship from experienced professionals in documentary filmmaking, journalism, digital content creation, and artificial intelligence.
For one intensive week, participants will work alongside internationally recognised filmmakers, journalists, producers, and media innovators, gaining practical skills and developing their own creative projects. The programme combines workshops, discussions, mentoring sessions, and teamwork — creating an environment where young talents can experiment, learn, and build connections that can shape their future careers.
A meeting point for young media talents and global professionals
Over the years, Young Media Sharks has developed into one of the leading youth media education platforms in the Baltic region. Since its launch, more than 400 young people have taken part in the programme. Many alumni have gone on to work in media organisations, creative industries, technology companies, and film production, or continue their studies at leading universities in Latvia and abroad.
The camp’s alumni network includes journalists, filmmakers, producers, and content creators who today contribute to Latvia’s media landscape and creative industries. For many participants, Young Media Sharks becomes a turning point — a place where they discover their creative potential, meet future mentors, and take their first steps towards a professional career in media.
Learning from internationally recognised experts
The 2026 programme will bring together media professionals from different countries and creative fields, including:
- South African documentary filmmaker and producer Don Edkins, founder of STEPS and creator of internationally recognised documentary initiatives such as Generation Africa and Why Poverty?;
- Lithuanian documentary filmmaker and educator Audrius Stonys, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and European Film Award winner;
- filmmaker, screenwriter, and New York University lecturer Boris Frumin;
- Menefese Kudumu-Clavell, founder and director of Ineffable Films, supporting emerging filmmakers and diverse voices in cinema;
- Latvian film director Dzintars Dreibergs, known for internationally recognised feature films Blizzard of Souls and Network: The Birth of TTT Legends;
- journalist and editor-in-chief of Ir magazine Nellija Ločmele;
- Kristaps Cīrulis, innovation and AI expert;
- and other leading media professionals from Latvia and abroad.
Creating the next generation of media creators
The mission of Young Media Sharks is not only to teach technical skills but also to empower young people to understand the role of media in society, think critically, and create meaningful stories.
“Media shapes how we understand the world, especially for young people. That is why we want to give the next generation of creators the tools to question, explore, and tell their own stories,” says Ilona Bičevska, founder of Young Media Sharks and head of the youth organisation Avantis.
“For more than ten years, we have been helping young people move beyond superficial, click-driven content and create stories that have value and meaning. No one else will tell our stories for us — we have to do it ourselves.”
Free participation and application
Participation in Young Media Sharks 2026 is free of charge thanks to the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riga and project partners.
A total of 50 motivated young people aged 14–20 will be selected. Applicants are invited to complete the application form and submit a creative assignment by:
10 August 2026
The working language of the camp is English.
Organisers especially encourage young people who are passionate about storytelling but may still doubt their abilities. Previous experience has shown that some of the most promising talents are often those who are only beginning to discover their potential.
Young people interested in filmmaking, journalism, writing, photography, video production, event creation, or developing new ideas are encouraged to apply.
Camp details
Dates: 24–29 August 2026
Location: Sigulda, Latvia
Participants: 50 young people aged 14–20
Application deadline: 10 August 2026
Website: www.youngmediasharks.eu
Young Media Sharks is organised by the youth organisation Avantis. The project is supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riga and partners including TV3 Group, RadioSWH, Ir, Delfi, TVNET, Visual Media, JCDecaux, Vivi, the National Film School of the Latvian Academy of Culture, Sony, Relook, and Sigulda Youth Centre “Mērķis”.
The project is co-financed by the Youth Policy State Programme 2025–2027 of the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia.
Contact information
Eva Šķēle
Communication Manager, Young Media Sharks
eva@avantis.lv
+371 26326981
Ilona Bičevska
Founder of Young Media Sharks and Head of Avantis
ilona@avantis.lv
+371 29495959