The Film of Identity

Project Reference: 2024-1-EL02-KA152-YOU-000234876
Topics: Physical and Mental Health, Well-Being, Community Development
Action Type: Mobility of Young People
Countries Covered: Germany, Serbia, Poland, Croatia, and Greece

As the curtains close on “The Film of Identity” Youth Exchange, EU Aktivisten reflects on a deeply impactful experience that brought together young people from Germany, Serbia, Poland, Croatia, and Greece to explore themes of identity, self-expression, and belonging. Hosted by Thessaloniki Pride, this project created a safe and open space for dialogue, where participants engaged in creative storytelling and filmmaking to tackle the challenges of identity crises in modern society.

Over the course of a week, participants shared their personal journeys, exchanged ideas, and worked collaboratively to produce a short film that captured the struggles and triumphs of young people navigating self-perception, social expectations, and life transitions. The project emphasized inclusivity, diversity, and resilience, ensuring that all voices were heard and represented.

From Concept to Film: The Creative Process
One of the most engaging aspects of this project was the hands-on approach to filmmaking, allowing participants to use creative expression as a tool for advocacy and awareness. Through non-formal education methods, including workshops, role-playing exercises, and storytelling sessions, young people gained valuable skills in scriptwriting, directing, acting, and editing.

The final product—a thought-provoking short film—was more than just a creative output. It served as a powerful message of identity and self-acceptance, addressing issues such as:

• The struggle to define oneself in an ever-changing world
• The impact of societal labels and stereotypes
• The challenges of transitioning from school to university or the workforce
• The importance of finding a community that embraces diversity
• Beyond the film, the project also led to the creation of multilingual posters addressing identity-related challenges, distributed in schools, community centers, and workplaces to provide guidance and access to support resources.

Additionally, an article and a booklet documenting the project were produced, ensuring that the knowledge and experiences gained during the exchange continue to inspire and educate others long after the project’s conclusion.

More Than Just a Project – A Lasting Impact
For many participants, this experience was about more than just learning—it was about personal growth, breaking down barriers, and creating a strong international network of young changemakers. Through open discussions and shared experiences, young people realized that while identity crises can be complex and deeply personal, they are also universal struggles that connect us all.

The impact of this project will continue beyond Thessaloniki. As part of the follow-up phase, EU Aktivisten will organise local screenings of the film, workshops on identity and self-expression, and community discussions to spread awareness and spark conversations at the grassroots level.

Looking Forward
EU Aktivisten is incredibly proud to have been a part of “The Film of Identity”, a project that used film and creativity as tools for change. This experience has strengthened our commitment to youth empowerment, diversity, and inclusion, and we look forward to building on the momentum created during this exchange.

The journey does not end here. The stories told through this project will continue to resonate, inspire, and drive conversations on identity and self-acceptance across communities in Europe and beyond.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to creating opportunities where young people can explore, express, and embrace their identities freely.