Empowering young filmmakers to teach and inspire the next generation of storytellers.
ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
The ConnectHER Fellowship trains past ConnectHER filmmakers to lead filmmaking workshops for youth in their communities. Fellows receive support, training, and a stipend to run storytelling workshops, helping us grow a global pipeline of young changemakers.
APPLY TO BE A FELLOW
Eligibility:
- Must have submitted at least one film to the ConnectHER Film Festival
- Must be 18+
- Must be available to lead 4+ youth workshops (virtual, in-person, or hybrid)
- Passion for gender equity and youth empowerment
Application Timeline:
|
Phase |
Fall Cohort |
Spring Cohort |
|
Applications Open |
Oct 15 |
Feb 15 |
|
Deadline |
Nov 15 |
Mar 15 |
|
Fellow Notification |
Dec 10 |
Apr 10 |
FAQ
1What do fellows do?
They teach filmmaking workshops to youth (ages 14–25), using our ConnectHER curriculum and local storytelling tools.
2Is it paid?
Yes. Virtual fellows receive a stipend ($500). In-person fellows may receive extra support (if funds are available) for venue, food, or materials.
3What support is provided?
We offer training, toolkits, reporting templates, and promotion. Fellows also join a global cohort of like-minded creatives.
4Who can participate in workshops?
Youth aged 14–25, with at least 70% being women or girls. Fellows recruit participants locally.
5Can I apply if I’ve never taught before?
Yes—but experience with peers or community projects helps. We provide basic training to get you started.
6Can I apply again if I was a past fellow?
Yes. Exceptional past fellows may be invited to return.
Meet Our 2025 Cohort
16 fellows. 10 countries. One global movement of young changemakers using film to empower their communities.
Novera Hasan Nikkon
Bangladesh
Novera Hasan Nikkon is a student filmmaker from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Now an undergraduate studying fine arts at Jagannath University, she has worked on five films as an associate director and screenwriter. Nikkon’s first film, Let Me Breathe with My Dream, received many awards, including Judges’ Choice 1st Runner Up at ConnectHER Film Festival.
Hasanul Hoq
Bangladesh
Hasanul is a filmmaker, writer, translator, editor, and researcher who has worked with ConnectHER since 2019. A two-time ConnectHER Fellow, he is deeply committed to storytelling that centers women and girls. He shares: “Many talk the talk, but ConnectHER walks the walk. The issues I focus on in my films are finally being acknowledged—and that’s thanks to ConnectHER’s support and transparency.”
Nadège Cibogo Felista
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nadège Cibogo Felista is a Congolese medical doctor and advocate for girls' education, who overcame poverty and orphanhood to excel in science. She has earned multiple awards for her work promoting women's rights and STEM education, and is currently specializing in Nuclear Medicine in Dakar, with plans to pursue a PhD in Biophysics.
Prisca Nikuze
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Prisca Nikuze Shavu Shasheke is a trilingual Congolese communicator and humanitarian born in Goma in 2003. With a Bachelor's in Information and Communication Sciences and ongoing Master's studies, she has worked with organizations like WFP, AIRD, and Caritas in communication, logistics, and field monitoring. Passionate about social impact, she co-produced the documentary The Shadow of Resilience and continues to build expertise in human rights, digital media, and community development.
Waed Fawzi Hussein Alreqb
Egypt
Waed is a 23-year-old Palestinian from Gaza, currently majoring in English with a minor in translation. A passionate writer, filmmaker, and photographer, she uses creative storytelling to express powerful ideas. Her film Existing Line marked a major milestone in her artistic journey.
Joy Lita
Indonesia
With a background in broadcasting and media, Joy is driven by a love of visual storytelling. She thrives in creative, collaborative environments and finds joy in every step of film production.
Salsa Azzahra
Indonesia
Salsa believes in the power of storytelling to deliver deep meaning. She uses film to explore stories that matter and sees the Fellowship as an opportunity to grow as a creator and mentor.
Selma Tijany
Indonesia
With a background in broadcasting and media, Joy is driven by a love of visual storytelling. She thrives in creative, collaborative environments and finds joy in every step of film production.
Beryl Muga
Kenya
Beryl is a documentary photographer and visual storyteller based in Kenya, with a background in communication and media. Her work amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, especially women and youth. She has been recognized as a ConnectHER Film Festival finalist and was a runner-up in a virtual showcase by Unpublished Africa.
Samar Taher Lulu
Palestine
A filmmaker from Gaza, Samar began her journey with ConnectHER in 2019 with Religious Tolerance. She later won awards for her films Jawaher and Khalil Hanaa (2023, 2025), and in 2024 co-led documentary workshops mentoring 30 students and producing four semifinalist films. In 2025, she returned to lead virtual sessions, continuing her mission to elevate untold stories from Gaza.
Woroud Alqassas
Palestine
Woroud, 23, studies Media and Mass Communication and won the 2023 ConnectHER Women & Environment Award for her film Jawaher. As a 2025 Fellow, she brings imagination, resilience, and purpose to her work, committed to amplifying unheard voices through socially driven storytelling.
Diana Senator Lyoto
Tanzania
Diana is a trained pharmacist and award-winning filmmaker. She began her filmmaking journey in 2019 and earned the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award in 2021. Diana first served as a Fellowship trainer in 2024 and returned in 2025 as both a Fellow and Fellowship Coordinator. She is passionate about storytelling as a catalyst for women’s empowerment and social change.
Lubanga Hakim
Uganda
Lubanga is an advocate for women’s rights and the founder of Bigman Studios. As a Fellow, he leads workshops and organizes youth film screenings—often timed to key days like the International Day of the Girl—to highlight the power of youth storytelling.
Winniefred Kasoga
Uganda
Kasoga Winifred is a social worker, professional dancer and choreographer, and passionate filmmaker. She has been actively involved in youth-focused health projects and has participated in several ConnectHER fellowship trainings, also serving as a trainer. Her award-winning short film “I Will Live” raises awareness about road accidents and inspires hope for survivors.
Halimah Tariq
Pakistan
Halimah is a lawyer and award-winning documentary filmmaker. She is the founder of Stories of the Soil, a production company dedicated to activism through storytelling. She also leads training for incoming ConnectHER Fellows.
Muhammad Waseem
Pakistan
Waseem is a freelance multimedia journalist and filmmaker. His work, honored at the ConnectHER Film Festival in both 2020 and 2021, explores untold stories that challenge perceptions and foster social dialogue.
2024 Cohort
Novera Hasan Nikkon
Bangladesh
Hasanul Hoq
Bangladesh
Shafiqua Nawrin Oishi
Bangladesh
Halimah Tariq
Pakistan
Circle Cinema
Indonesia
Beyrl Muga
Kenya
Tinayeishe Wakatama
Zimbabwe
Amjad Sokkar
Egypt
Mohamed Zediah
Palestine - North Gaza
Woroud Al-Qassas
Palestine - North Gaza
Mahmoud Mansour
Palestine - North Gaza
Muhammad Waseem
Pakistan
Lubanga Abdulhakim
Uganda
Prince Kumar
India
Rutu Suthar
India
Cibogo Felista Nadège
DR Congo
Gentil Ishara Musimwa
DR Congo
Diana Senator Lyoto
Tanzania
Fatma Said Kauga
Tanzania
Samar Taher Lulu
Palestine - South Gaza
Hamdi Khalil Al-Husseini
Palestine - South Gaza
Mira Khadka
Nepal
2023 Cohort
Circle Cinema
Indonesia
Mira Khadka
Nepal
Prince Kumar
India
Aya Matrabie
Palestine
Aneta Felix
Nigeria
Lubanga Abdulhakim
Uganda
Novera Hasan Nikkon
Bangladesh
Halimah Tariq
Pakistan
Want to Host a Workshop?
(But Not Ready for Fellowship)
If you're not eligible for the Fellowship but still want to run a storytelling workshop in your community, we’d love to support you if you currently reside in the Global South! Contact us at filmfest@connecther.org for more details.