Learn about film language and talk about what you see and hear in movies.
Curriculum fit
Art and Culture: Art and Film Education
- understanding the content of visual, film art, and audiovisual works and culture
- support self-actualisation, the perception of visual art, and understanding the creative process
Personal and Social Education: Personal, Social, and Ethical Development
- develop social and emotional skills and good interpersonal relationships
- support self-discovery
Civic Studies: Society and the Self
- develop knowledge of historical, social, and cultural aspects of people’s lives in their diversity, variability, and interconnectedness
About the activity
This workshop introduces students to the world of cinema, along with the basics of film language as well as respectful communication. Short films are a great way for young people to develop critical thinking, aesthetic sensibility, and other valuable skills. The one-day programme combines short film screenings, film analysis, and filmmaking workshops. It concludes with participants stepping into the role of a young jury, applying what they’ve learned to select the best short film out of the selection.
Each project day can be either general or dedicated to a specific theme. Try to actively engage all participants and foster open dialogue. This will help them formulate their own opinions, listen to others, and collaboratively explore deeper meanings in cinematic works. Encouraging this level of sharing requires a safe space where young people feel comfortable openly discussing their impressions, opinions, and emotions evoked by movies. You can draw inspiration from our experience, or tailor your project day to suit your resources. Even scaled-down project days—organized for smaller groups or featuring fewer films and workshops—are valuable.
We’ve put together a short quiz so you can test your film knowledge after the activity – check it out!
What participants gain
- enhanced creativity, critical thinking, and aesthetic sensibility;
- improved ability to analyse and reflect on film techniques and content;
- skills in collaboration, debating, and respecting different views;
- exposure to complex issues through cinema;
- access to modern filmmaking tools (editing software, AI technologies);
- better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of using AI in audiovisual works.
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What educators gain
- tools and methods for fostering interactive and creative learning;
- opportunities to enhance their teaching practice with modern technologies and interdisciplinary approaches;
- inspiration to include audiovisual arts and discussion into classroom activities.
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Resources
Venue requirements
- a cinema with a bit of imagination, any venue can become a makeshift cinema
- a dedicated space for workshops
- an area for refreshments or snacks
- a support space for workshop tutors
Technology
- screening equipment (if unavailable, try reaching out to a local cinema or civic centre that might have equipment to lend)
- laptops with editing software (e.g., CapCut, DaVinci Resolve)
- USB flash drives
Supplies
- films for screening
- various workshop materials, such as videos for editing practice, storyboard templates, writing tools
Step by Step
Preparation
(10–30 hrs)
(10–30 hrs)
- Film Selection
● Select 2–3 short films aimed at a slightly older age group (form & content). This age group tends to identify with slightly older peers.
● Choose a variety of genres and focus on issues relevant to young people, such as relationships, ecology, diversity, social issues.
● For inspiration, check out the films we have worked with (see below).
● Get advice from film institutions, such as cinemas, film academies, film festivals, or national film archives, or tutors active in film education. - Getting Films for Screening
● Look up free online databases of films available for educational purposes in your country. Note that this method may only be available to educators.
● Use our film sugestions (see below). Contact the authors of this activity and depending on availability, we will provide the films either for free or for a fee.
● Request films for a fee from third-party institutions such as cinemas, film academies, educational organizations, film festivals or national film archives.
● If possible, you can also try to reach out to local or international film distributors or sales agents (this might be more time consuming and budget demanding). For guidance on acquiring film rights, check How to Get Films for Screening in the Toolbox. - Selecting Workshop Lecturers
● Film school graduates and film professionals
● Teachers with extensive experience in the film industry and pedagogical insight - Preparing a Film Discussion
● Organise a discussion yourself or invite a specialised tutor to facilitate it.
● Familiarise yourself with the rules of respectful debate. Download the activity supplement How to Lead a Discussion.
● Learn how to create a safe space where participants feel comfortable sharing diverse thoughts and opinions.
● Develop an understanding of the basics of film language and film, such as sound, esthetics, editing, acting, script.
● Prepare key discussion points for each film in advance. - Selecting a Discussion Lecturer
The selection process can be supported by cinemas, organizations involved in film education, film festivals, or similar programs. However, financial resources may pose a limitation. Ideally, a debate lecturer should be a teacher or meet the following criteria:
● is a student in a film studies program, a film academy graduate, or a teacher with experience in the film industry;
● has a solid understanding of different forms of film storytelling;
● actively fosters critical thinking and create an open, safe environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their opinions. - Workshop I – Editing with AI
● Arrange a dedicated workshop space (e.g., a cinema, a classroom) for approx. 15 participants.
● Install the DaVinci Resolve editing suite on laptops (recommended paid alternatives: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) and upload the film material for editing prepared by the lecturer. You can download the material from an online video library.
● Ensure access to both the internet and power sources.
● If using pre-selected scenes, prepare them to fit within the workshop duration and allow students to work on short trailers or 30–60-second clips. - Workshop II – Film Writing
● Arrange a dedicated workshop space (e.g., a cinema, a classroom) for approx. 15 participants.
● Prepare storyboard templates, sheets of paper and writing supplies.
Implementation
(5–7 hrs)
First workshop (Film Adaptations): 2–3 hrs
Second workshop (Today’s Film Canon): 3 hrs
(5–7 hrs)
First workshop (Film Adaptations): 2–3 hrs
Second workshop (Today’s Film Canon): 3 hrs
PART 1 – Short Film Screening and Discussion (1–2 hrs)
- Welcome the participants and introduce the organizers and lecturers.
- Provide an overview of the day’s schedule and activities.
- Introduce the selected films.
- Screen the films and organize a discussion after each one (approx. 15–20 minutes).
- For guidance on leading discussions, download the activity supplement How to Lead a Discussion.
PART 2 – Filmmaking Workshops (3 hours)
- Divide participants into 2 groups.
- Each group attends 2 workshops (1 workshop = 80 minutes) with a break in between.
Workshop I – Editing with AI
- Divide participants into groups with 2–3 members each.
- Introduce the basics of film editing. For more inspiration, check the workshop Montage: A Secret Film Language.
- Introduce the editing software of your choice (e.g., DaVinci Resolve) and the film trailer form.
- Give participants a theme for the trailer.
- Use AI tools in DaVinci Resolve software to edit your trailers.
- Incorporate available AI tools to your editing process to create voiceover, music, and generate subtitles (e. g., Suno) for the trailers.
- Focus on how editing techniques can change the meaning, time, space and mood of a film scene; experiment with creating trailers to explore these concepts.
- Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using AI in film editing.
- Conclude by sharing reflections on the workshop, emphasising the process and its benefits for participants rather than the quality of their edited clips.
- Export the completed videos (trailers) to the laptop used for screening.
Workshop II – Film Writing
- Introduce participants familiar to the basics of film writing, including concept development, story idea and screenwriting. For more inspiration, check the workhop Write your own Story.
- Encourage participants to discover authentic stories by expressing what matters to them in a creative and playful way through storytelling.
- Guide participants in developing an initial concept into a full story idea and a short film screenplay.
- Wrap up by sharing reflections on the writing process and on exploring ways to enhance participants’ skills or inspire future creativity.
PART 3 – Pick the Best Film of the Day (30 mins)
At the end of the day, the participants become young jurors and choose the Workshop’s Best European Short Film. During the selection process, you can reflect on the participants’ newly acquired skills, as well as their analytical and aesthetic preferences.
- Arrange seating in a circle or in a way that ensures everyone can see each other.
- Encourage participants to establish criteria for judging the films (editing, sound and image, etc.) to help them structure their arguments.
- Have a democratic discussion.
- Observe the selection process from a distance, allowing participants to independently choose the winning film of the day.
PART 4 – Final Screening (30 mins)
- Organise “a mini film festival” after announcing the winning film.
- Have participants present the trailers they created during the editing workshop, screening them for their peers, family members, and other visitors.
- Consider presenting awards for creativity, technical skill or originality.
Evaluation
(1 hr)
(1 hr)
- Allow participants to reflect on their experience, either solo or in small groups, discussing what they found interesting, what could be improved, and how.
- Ask if they prefer emphasis on film analysis or creative skills, and explore how they might use their skills in future projects, classroom activities, or extracurricular endeavors.
- Provide constructive feedback on their work, focusing on technical aspects, creativity and personal reflection.
- Discuss the event with other lecturers and get their feedback.
Films to watch
My Name is Edgar and I Have a Cow
Director:
Filip Diviak
Country:
Czech Republic, Slovakia
Year:
2023
Length:
7 mins
Thea & Tuva
Director:
Kristina B. Walters
Country:
Norway
Year:
2020
Length:
23 mins
Wait
Director:
Martin Jenefeldt
Country:
Sweden
Year:
2020
Length:
11 mins
Louis I., King of the Sheep
Director:
Markus Wulf
Country:
Germany
Year:
2022
Length:
9 mins
Bgirl Badli
Director:
Charlotte De Cort
Country:
Belgium
Year:
2022
Length:
15 mins
Make it accessible for all
Create equal conditions for all participants where no one is at a disadvantage.
- Respect the identity and diversity of each participant.
- Focus on participants’ abilities and potential rather than their limitations.
- Use positive and encouraging language to foster self-confidence and engagement.
- For participants with hearing impairments: prepare films with special subtitles and clearly labeled spaces; translate discussions into sign language, and equip the space with an induction loop system.
- For participants with visual impairments: provide audio descriptions of the films; at the start of the day, describe your appearance (what you look like and what you’re wearing); offer verbal explanations for visual elements throughout the day; use tactile aids to effectively convey different concepts.
- Ensure barrier-free access to the venue and adapt all activities to be as inclusive as possible. If the space is not accessible by wheelchair, consider renting a portable ramp and installing it over staircases.
Thoughts & Experience
“It broadened my knowledge, inspired new activities and explorations.”
Participant of Film Camp for Educators in Zwierzyniec2024 
“It was a very interesting experience receiving the film through the body and focusing on one's emotions coming out of the body.”
Participant of Film Camp for Educators in Zwierzyniec2024 
FOR ORGANIZATIONS
What organisations gain
- strengthen your specialised platform for youth film education;
- increase awareness of the value of audiovisual literacy;
- use films created by participants as examples in future workshops or educational programmes.
Team requirements
- coordinator
- programmer
- technician
- PR and Social Media Specialist
Funding tips
- internal resources
- grants and subsidies, e.g., Czech Ministry of Culture, local municipalities, EU programmes, foundations and non-profit organizations
- sponsors and corporate partnerships
- collaboration with municipalities
- crowdfunding campaigns
Promotion tips
- Use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Use visually appealing content for online promotion, with short videos from previous workshops, short clips from the films or behind-the-scenes fun facts that would appeal to young audiences.
- Engage parents by emphasising the program’s value in developing children’s critical thinking and creative skills.
- Highlight the educational value to teachers and school principals. It is essential to establish direct contact with them and create promotional materials that clearly demonstrate how the project enhances students’ learning experience.
- Partner with community centres, film festivals, and interest groups.
- Reach out to participants in various regions to ensure greater diversity and foster an exchange of opinions.
Find your audience
Participants don’t need prior filmmaking experience but should enjoy the film medium and a be willing to engage in creative and analytical activities. The project day can be organised in two formats based on focus and target group:
In schools:
- Work with an entire class or selected students within a specific age group.
- Motivate students and other teachers to get involved in the project day.
- Include preliminary activities related to art (e.g., literature, art class) and connect them to the film project day.
As an extracurricular activity:
- Select participants through an open call that prioritises applications from passionate film enthusiasts. The open call can involve sections such as headline and subtitle, target group, what the participants can expect, why they want to participate, date and location of the event and information about registration.
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