Sustainability and Social Awareness Charter for Young Film Audiences

In the face of global challenges, characterised by climate change, social inequalities and cultural fragmentation, the five European film festivals in the Young4Film network recognise the urgent need to take on an active role. Our understanding of ecological and social awareness is based on our awareness of the challenges posed by our planet’s diminishing resources and the urgency of sustainable action. We also recognise the importance of inclusive and respectful coexistence and emphasise the role of cultural education and networks for future generations.

This Sustainability and Social Awareness Charter is the first result of the 2022–2024 project period and formulates the fundamental principles, goals and commitments that serve as guidelines for targeting young festival visitors and for organising and implementing events for young audiences. The Charter is not a static document but rather a dynamic framework that is continuously being developed. In recent years, all network partners have already consistently pursued a wide range of endeavours towards sustainable thinking and action in the context of their film festival activities – in social, ecological and economic terms. Sharing these experiences, identifying further fields of action and finding solutions for individual or joint problems were the aims of the regular dialogue within the network.

We invite you to download the Charter here: Sustainability and Social Awareness Charter for Young Film Audiences.

The Charter recognises the sometimes very different conditions and frameworks under which the participating film festivals operate. Regardless of their urban or rural character, size or regional or national circumstances, each festival brings unique perspectives and experiences that are invaluable to the network. This heterogeneity is not only valued but actively integrated into the joint evaluation and development of programmes for young audiences.

The Charter serves as a platform to celebrate this diversity while creating a common framework that includes all voices. This creates a dynamic network that not only utilises the individual strengths of the festivals but also promotes a collective identity – based on the principles of sustainability and social awareness.

Research and writing: Claudia Ziegenfuß, Project Manager Film Education / Transformation manager for sustainability in culture, Kijufi e.V. (Germany)
Expert advisor: Gudrun Sommer, Green Consultant Film & TV / Festival Manager (Germany)
Participants: Team members of the Kino Otok – Isola Cinema International Film Festival (Slovenia), the Beldocs International Documentary Film Festival (Serbia), the Vilnius Short Film Festival (Lithuania), Piccolo Grande Cinema (Italy) and the Motovun / Cinehill Film Festival (Croatia).