Youth Documentary Labs

On 27th of September 2025, EU Aktivisten hosted Youth Documentary Lab, a workshop where young people explored how to use video as a tool to tell stories, raise awareness, and speak out on issues that matter to them. The event took place at our local community space in, bringing together a group of 15 participants between the ages of 16 and 24. The goal of the workshop was simple but powerful: to give youth the space, skills, and confidence to document real problems from their perspective, using only simple tools, smartphones, and their own voice.

The two-day program began on Saturday morning with introductions and short media clips from previous youth-made documentaries. This helped set the tone for what was possible, even without professional equipment. Participants quickly got engaged in conversations around what makes a story compelling, and why young people’s experiences are often underrepresented in mainstream media. The group then explored several topics before choosing what they wanted to focus on for their projects. The selected themes included gender equality in everyday life, youth mental health, and climate change at the local level.

After forming small teams, participants learned basic interviewing techniques and practiced behind the camera, as well as in front of it. Even those with no previous media experience became confident in handling tripods, framing shots, and recording audio. A big part of the day was dedicated to going outside and collecting footage, some groups interviewed passersby in the park, while others visited community spaces or filmed visual scenes to support their stories. Each team was free to choose their approach, guided by facilitators who supported them with practical tips and moral encouragement.

Most participants had never used editing software before, but they quickly adapted to user-friendly tools like CapCut. With patience, teamwork, and a lot of creativity, each group managed to produce a 2–4 minute short documentary that reflected their chosen issue. Some were more artistic, using visuals and voiceovers; others took a more direct approach, combining interviews and facts.

The workshop ended with a relaxed screening session where all the films were presented to the full group. It was clear how much pride and effort went into every video. Laughter, reflection, and even a few emotional moments filled the room. Several participants said it was the first time they had spoken publicly about the issue they documented, and that creating the video gave them both a sense of power and connection. The feedback circle that followed was supportive and encouraging, with many expressing a desire to keep working on media projects in the future.

In total, the Youth Documentary Lab produced five original youth-made videos, all focusing on relevant social issues from the perspective of those who live them. The workshop created a strong sense of community, critical reflection, and new skills that participants can take forward. Based on the success of this pilot workshop, we plan to organize another edition later this year and explore partnerships for longer-term youth media programs.