Creative storytellers, podcasters, and media professionals now have a strong international opportunity to train in France through the Sound Documentary International Intensive Summer Programme 2026. Hosted by the renowned École nationale supérieure Louis-Lumière with support from the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and Radio France Internationale, this scholarship-backed program is designed to help emerging audio creators master professional sound documentary production in Paris.
Taking place from July 13 to August 28, 2026, this seven-week intensive training will bring selected international participants into the heart of France’s radio and podcast ecosystem. Participants will work alongside experienced documentary makers and sound engineers while developing their own documentary projects from concept to final production.
The program focuses on hands-on learning, creative collaboration, and professional networking. Selected applicants will receive scholarship support through French embassies and will live in Paris during the training period, gaining direct exposure to the European media and audio storytelling industry.
Program Details
The Sound Documentary Summer Programme is a seven-week international training program built for young professionals who want to strengthen their skills in radio documentary and sound storytelling.
The 2026 edition will run from July 13 to August 28, 2026 in Paris, France. During this time, participants will take part in intensive workshops, professional meetings, and collaborative documentary production.
The program is structured into three major components. The first phase focuses on theoretical and practical training in sound writing and documentary creation, where participants learn techniques of interviewing, recording soundscapes, capturing atmospheres, and audio editing. The second phase involves producing a complete sound documentary in pairs, where each team will design and execute its project from start to finish. The final component includes professional encounters with radio channels, podcast creators, and sound industry experts across France.
Participants will be guided by leading documentary makers, sound artists, and engineers and will complete a full documentary project by the end of the program.
Funding Package
Selected participants are awarded scholarships through French embassies, allowing them to attend this prestigious program with major financial support.
The funding package includes accommodation in Paris at a Campus France residence for the entire duration of the program. Participants also receive access to fully funded intensive training delivered by top professionals in sound documentary and audio production.
Beyond financial support, the program offers high-value professional exposure within France’s globally respected radio and podcast sector. Participants benefit from mentorship, industry networking, and the opportunity to produce a professional-level sound documentary that can strengthen future career prospects in media, storytelling, and creative industries.
Eligibility
This opportunity is designed for emerging international professionals who are already engaged in creative storytelling and want to build advanced skills in sound documentary production.
- Open to young international professionals from all countries
- Applicants should have experience as authors or creators such as blogging, podcasting, or sound-based creative projects
- Must demonstrate strong interest in documentary storytelling and audio production
- Should be available to attend the full seven-week program in Paris
- Must prepare required application documents including cover letter, synopsis, CV, and application form
- Selection is conducted by a professional jury in coordination with French embassy cultural services.
Deadline
The last date to apply for the Sound Documentary Summer Programme Scholarship in France 2026 is March 08, 2026.