In the context of the new millennium, global society faces a series of complex challenges ranging from inequality and social exclusion to the climate crisis, from the fragility of democratic institutions to the digital divide. In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of effective and meaningful communication assumes a central role, offering unparalleled opportunities for civic engagement and social change. However, barriers to accessing these powerful forms of communication remain high, especially for social organizations and NGOs, which often operate with limited and scarce resources.

Against this backdrop, the project Cinema Paradiso: Social Impact Through Videomaking emerged as a creative and pragmatic response to these issues. Conceived as a bridge between the digital technology realm and organizations striving to be heard, this project aimed to challenge the narrative that advanced media production skills were exclusive to a technological elite.

The title of the project was clearly inspired by the eponymous Italian film that has captivated generations of viewers. The choice of name was no coincidence but rather evoked the film’s central themes: education, training, and personal growth through visual arts, deep and transformative interpersonal relationships, and the importance of mentorship, learning, and intergenerational exchange – concepts at the heart of the project. The team believed in the power of video production not just as a storytelling tool but also as a vehicle for education, awareness, and ultimately, social change. Just as in the film, where cinema became a communal space and a vessel for culture, the project sought to utilize videomaking as a platform for social and civic activism.

The aim was to democratize access to videomaking skills, providing organizations with the tools needed to tell their stories, advance their missions, and connect with broader communities, internalizing the video production and promotion process and reducing, if not eliminating, costs while creating valuable content. The project did not just aim to create tangible impact through individual training but also sought to weave a network of organizations and youth workers sharing a common vision of the transformative power of media.

The specific objectives of the activity were:

• Training Youth Workers: The project equipped youth workers with tools to create compelling videos that drive social change and environmental awareness.
• Empowering the Youth: Beyond technical skills, the focus was on strengthening soft skills like teamwork and communication, easing their entry into the workforce.
• Promoting Social Messages: Through video production, the initiative raised awareness and fostered dialogue on social and environmental issues.
• Sustainability and Accessibility: The project ensured that imparted skills could be applied using accessible and sustainable resources and tools.
• Networking and Collaboration: A network was created to facilitate future collaborations and social impact projects.

Digital transformation was at the heart of the project. While Erasmus+ placed strong emphasis on the importance of this transformation, Cinema Paradiso went a step further in democratizing access to these digital skills, making them accessible and applicable regardless of available financial or technical resources. Videomaking was not presented just as a means of storytelling but also as an activism platform, thus aligning the project with the 2030 Agenda and, specifically, with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which were thoroughly addressed during the training.

The approach was practical and focused. An 8-day program was developed, combining theory and practice in a coherent and progressive flow of activities. The training delved into photography, videography, film, social promotional videos, and online media literacy. Participants had the chance to apply these skills in three intense days dedicated to pre-production, production, and post-production, all guided by experts trained in Erasmus+ projects, youth work, and videomaking.

Within the framework of the innovative project Cinema Paradiso: Social Impact Through Videomaking, an intensive 7-day training course was designed and successfully implemented. The entire journey was structured as a progressive growth cycle, adeptly weaving theoretical and practical elements. The climax of the program consisted of three dedicated days that followed a sequence of pre-production, production, and post-production of video content.

Group composition and logistics

The project involved 24 participants from 7 different international partner organizations, with a representation of 3 participants per entity. Additionally, 3 members from the hosting team joined, totaling 6 participants from Spain. This decision was made to facilitate logistics and inclusion. Among the global group, at least 10 were underprivileged youth facing challenges related to cultural, social, geographical, or economic obstacles. Supporting the group was a staff team of 3 members: two specialized trainers and one member dedicated to logistics. In total, 27 people were actively engaged in the training.

Participant profiles

• Youth workers: These individuals formed the core of the project. They were trained to improve their multimedia and communication skills with the aim of implementing more effective awareness campaigns. The expectation was that they would become change agents in their respective communities, mobilizing a greater number of young people through well-planned and targeted activities.
• Young unemployed individuals (18-25 years): This segment was chosen due to its vulnerability in the context of an increasingly digitalized job market. Through training in hard and soft skills, the project aimed to increase their employability, making them more competitive and versatile.

Pre-course preparation and involvement

The project adopted an extensive participant engagement strategy even before the course began. Individuals and partner organizations were consulted to identify needs, expectations, and preferences. This participatory approach was essential to ensure that the course was finely tuned to meet the specific needs of each target group. As a result, the program was not only highly effective but also deeply resonant with the participants.

The project Cinema Paradiso: Social Impact Through Videomaking produced tangible results and left a lasting impact on multiple fronts. Starting from the assumption that we live in an era dominated by digital media, the advanced videography training offered to youth sector workers and unemployed young people contributed to a paradigm shift in social communication and activism. Through a practical approach and the direct application of acquired skills, the project generated a measurable and significant impact on the behavior, competencies, and, above all, the communicative and social effectiveness of the organizations and individual participants involved.

Tangible results and media production

In concrete terms, the project resulted in the creation of 12 high-impact promotional videos for the partner organizations, significantly increasing their visibility at the local and regional levels. Additionally, 8 video clips were produced for 6 local organizations in Villaviciosa, amplifying their outreach within the community. Furthermore, 7 thematic videos were developed, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These videos were not only used as training material during the course but were also widely distributed across various online platforms, maximizing their impact.

Given the evolution of the course, the approved training days, the inclusion of new methodologies, and the specific needs of participants, the project also led to the creation of a Videomaking Resource Centre. This is a dedicated self-directed learning platform where users can explore and delve deeper into topics related to video production in all its phases. This resource is designed to provide continuous learning opportunities beyond the duration of the project and to serve as an accessible tool for both participants and a wider audience interested in videomaking.

All these resources, including the videos and the Videomaking Resource Centre, are available here on the project results page.

Community impact

On the community impact front, the project achieved a dual objective. On the one hand, the use of videos as a tool for raising awareness on socially relevant issues helped reach a broader audience, including young people, adults, and institutions. On the other hand, the direct participation of local Spanish organizations in the project ensured immediate impact at the local level, contributing to concrete solutions for community challenges.

Individual impact

At the individual level, the project led to significant enhancements in technical and communication skills among participants. Youth workers and young people gained considerable confidence in using videomaking as a tool for storytelling and awareness-raising, making them more inclined to use it in their future activism or professional efforts. Training in frugal and guerrilla filmmaking methodologies enabled participants to produce quality content even in the absence of significant financial resources, effectively democratizing access to this powerful form of communication.

Networking and international collaboration

On the networking and international collaboration front, the interaction between various youth organizations from different European countries fostered an ecosystem conducive to the exchange of best practices and the development of new projects. This collaboration has already opened doors for future partnerships in the context of EU-funded programs, such as Erasmus+.