Albanian Woman in Audiovisual
Masterclass I: Laying the Foundations for Gender-Sensitive Storytelling
The journey began in September 2024, when Albanian Women in Audiovisual (AWA) launched the first edition of its Masterclass programme in Tirana. Designed as an intensive four-day learning experience, the training brought together journalists, journalism students, and audiovisual professionals eager to strengthen their storytelling skills while promoting more inclusive and gender-sensitive media narratives.
Interest in the programme far exceeded expectations. Following an open call launched in July 2024, 185 applications were received from across Albania. After a competitive selection process, 60 participants were chosen to take part in the Masterclass, reflecting both the demand for specialised training and the growing interest in ethical and socially responsible journalism.
The programme was led by an international team of experts. Giovanni Robbiano introduced participants to narrative structure, script development and storytelling techniques; Doruntina Basha explored gender-sensitive journalism and inclusive storytelling, encouraging participants to critically reflect on how gender is represented in the media; while Timo Heinänen guided participants through the visual language of filmmaking, covering cinematography, lighting, framing and pre-production planning.
Rather than focusing solely on theory, the Masterclass placed practical learning at its core. Working collaboratively in teams, participants developed and produced eight short films addressing pressing social issues affecting women and girls in Albania, including sexual harassment, breast cancer awareness, abortion rights, sex-selective practices, discrimination against migrant women, and gender inequality. The programme concluded with public screenings and peer discussions, allowing participants to receive constructive feedback while exchanging ideas and experiences with fellow media professionals.
The Masterclass also marked the beginning of the project’s creative mini-grants programme. Participants were invited to transform the skills and concepts developed during the training into independent multimedia productions. From 13 project proposals, seven creative projects were selected for funding, enabling emerging filmmakers and journalists to continue producing gender-sensitive audiovisual content and bringing important social issues to wider audiences.
Strengthening Local Voices Through Capacity Building
Together, Masterclass I and Masterclass II trained 189 journalists, journalism students, multimedia professionals, and emerging content creators from across Albania. By combining international expertise with practical, hands-on learning, the programme created opportunities for participants to strengthen both their technical and editorial skills while developing a deeper understanding of gender-sensitive reporting and inclusive storytelling.
Particular attention was given to local journalists and young professionals in Shkodër, Durrës, and Tirana, providing access to high-quality training that is often concentrated in the capital. Beyond improving professional capacities, the Masterclasses fostered collaboration between media practitioners from different regions, encouraged the exchange of experiences, and built a growing community committed to producing more ethical, diverse, and representative media content.
The results were visible long before the end of the project. Participants produced 24 original multimedia works during the trainings alone—including eight short films in the first Masterclass and 16 multimedia stories in the second—while many continued their creative journey through the project’s mini-grants scheme. More importantly, the programme empowered a new generation of journalists and audiovisual professionals to challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and use storytelling as a tool for social change within their own communities.
