The Whickers Celebrates 10 Years of Supporting Documentary Storytellers

September 5, 2025

A Decade of Growth and Global Impact

The Whickers is proud to mark its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of supporting documentary makers and podcasters around the world. Since its launch in 2015, the fund has awarded more than £1.2 million in grants, supported over 100 projects, and attracted applications from more than 120 countries.

This year’s Film and TV award applications doubled compared with 2023, with overall entries up an astonishing 1,165% since the very first year. Winners have ranged in age from their late teens to their late 70s, proving that great storytelling has no boundaries.

Alan Whicker’s Legacy

The Whickers was created in 2015 through the legacy of British journalist and broadcaster Alan Whicker. His long-term partner in life and work, and co-founder of the fund, Valerie Kleeman, explained that Alan wanted to pass on some of the good fortune he had enjoyed in his career to a new generation of storytellers:

“I was told by a lot of well-meaning people that The Whickers would never get off the ground. Ten years on, I’m happy to say we’ve proved them wrong.”

Valerie also thanked the “two Super Janes” — Jane Ray and Jane Mote — for their knowledge, experience, and compassionate support of both winners and finalists.

Stories of Transformation

The anniversary has been marked by messages of support and gratitude from winners past and present, compiled into a special 10th anniversary film. Highlights include:

Alex Bescoby (2016, We Were Kings):

“As soon as my name was read out and that beautiful chunk of glass was put in my hand, I became a filmmaker. That award gave me the confidence to build a career over the last ten years.”

Pailin Weddel (2017, Hope Frozen):

“Without The Whickers my documentary Hope Frozen just wouldn’t exist. Without that level of funding, the project would have been dead in the water.”

Catherine Boulle and Bongani Kona (2023, Time, Paper, Bone):

“We really wouldn’t be where we are now without the generous support of The Whickers. Heartfelt thanks and congratulations from Cape Town, South Africa.”

Vikram Singh (2024, Camels of the Sea):

“It’s not just about the money, it’s also the support, insight, advice, and love that they give — not just to the film, but also to the filmmaker.”

An Ongoing Commitment

Creative Director Jane Ray expressed her thanks to partners such as Sheffield DocFest, bursary hosts, and the 44 judges who give their time and expertise each year and Valerie Kleeman added her thanks:

“We could not have achieved anything without our partners and judges — who get little more than a free sandwich for helping us! And we would be nowhere without the trust of the filmmakers and audio documentarians who share their stories with us.”

The results speak for themselves: 100% of Film & TV Award winners up to this year have premiered their films or are in late/post-production. Supported projects have gone on to win Emmys, BAFTAs, and even reach the Oscars shortlist as well as clocking up dozens of awards at prestigious film festivals across the world.  The Whickers audio winners have had their documentaries featured at festivals such as Sheffield Doc Fest, Third Coast and London Breeze, as well as aired on BBC Radios 3 and 4, BBC World Service, NPR, ABC Radio and Apple Podcasts.

 

Tracking the True Cost of Documentary

From the very beginning, The Whickers made a commitment to stay in touch with the real cost of making documentaries in today’s industry. To achieve this, we launched the Cost of Docs Survey.

This annual survey has grown into an important resource, producing reports now used by academics and documentary organisations worldwide. The findings are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic, making them accessible to a global community of storytellers.

Most importantly, the survey ensures that documentary makers everywhere can share their experiences and challenges — and know that their voices are being heard.

 

Looking Ahead

The Whickers is already preparing for the next 10 years, so please take a look at our upcoming opportunities including:

  • Film & TV Awards: Open Wednesday 19 November 2026, close Friday 30 January 2026

  • Podcast Pitch Awards: Open Wednesday 3 December 2026, close Friday 27 February 2026

  • Bursary Schemes: Information available on our website, with the next bursary at Chile Conecta in December 2025

  • Cost of Docs Survey: Open for participation via our website