Children and teenagers are expected again this year at Astra Film Junior , the most complex educational project through documentary film in Romania. Designed for three age categories (6+, 11+ and 15+), Astra Film Junior 2024 includes film screenings in classic cinemas and full-dome screenings in the New Media Dome Cinema, followed by debates moderated by professionals, competition of comics and creative workshops (primary cycle 6+), creative writing (secondary cycle 11+) and film (high school cycle 15+). Astra Film Junior will take place between October 21-27, 2024, in which many schools have "Green Week" or "Different School" programs on their schedule.
" I confess that I am absolutely fascinated by the energy of the children who come to the festival and who create a special vibe in Sibiu, at Astra Film Junior. Through this program we give them an audio-visual alternative that keeps them away from their mobile phone screens and offers them lessons for a beautiful and harmonious development", said Dumitru Budrala, the founding director of Astra Film Festival, who advised those who want to participate make reservations in advance, because every year the Astra Film Junior events take place behind closed doors.
Documentaries in the 6+ category teach children about self- confidence and courage (" The Gravity Defying Girl " by Jens JV Pedersen), discipline and perseverance ("The Shaolin Master's Girl" by Therese Koppe) , connection and unity (" Aikiddo ", by Annabei Verbeke), diversity (" Bachir in Wonderland", by Els Duran), gender stereotypes (" Giovanni and synchronized swimming", by Astrid Bussink) or encourages them to -identify and express their own feelings (" The Emotions of the Little Cube", by Leva Benoît).
The films in the 11+ category (secondary school) expose the dangers of the online environment (" Experiences about bullying " , by Eef Hilgers), explain the seriousness of climate change ("Fatou fights against drought", by Irja von Bernstorff) and encourage understanding of the notions of resilience ( " Our Island" by Lennah Koster), bullying ( " Pride and Prejudice " by Mirjam Marks), ambition and success (" A Girl with Aspirations" by Camilla Magid), the consequences of conflict armies (" A girl far from home ", by Alisa Kovalenko), and migration (" Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh", by Katja Fedulova ) .
And those selected for the 15+ category (high school cycle) are aimed at teenagers who want to understand the importance of assuming responsibility ("The wooden boy", by Eva Oosterveld), the issue of climate change and environmental activism ("Why we fight", by Camille Etienne), the notions of human dignity and freedom ("Maydegol", by Servnaz Alambelgi), she believes in herself and the desire to follow her dream at any cost (" Shobe does surf ", by Elizabeth D Costa ) and the importance of one's own decisions (" Dream. Life " , by Ruxandra Gubernat).
The Educator Profession program presents a screening dedicated to teaching staff and educational advisors, which will be followed by discussion sessions: "To defeat demons with the help of dragons", by Camila Magid.
A special program is Weekend Junior , during which three films will be screened for teenagers, parents and teachers alike : " Food for change", by Benoît Bringer ( food education and healthy growth , in a sustainable environment), "Beginners", by Alban Teurlai (about the role of teachers in shaping the character and values of students) and "Teenage engineers" by Aleksandra Skowron, Hanna Polak (about alternative and performing educational systems ).
Astra Film Junior 2024 is a cultural project co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. The project does not necessarily represent the position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the project may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.
Strategic Partner: Ministry of Culture
With the support of the Sibiu County Council, the National Center of Cinematography, the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sibiu and the Union of Cinematographers, the Romanian Cultural Institute. Project co-financed by the Sibiu City Council through the Sibiu City Hall.
Sponsors: ING Bank, Groupama, Mechatronics, Artesana, Luthelo, Decathlon, TheRefresh
Recommended by Europa FM
Main media partner: PRO TV, VOYO
Cultural partner: TVR, TVR Cultural
Media partners: TV5 Monde, Euronews Romania, Radio Romania Cultural, News.ro, G4media, Hotnews, Vorbitorincii, Tribuna, Tower of the Council, Sibiu 100%, Masagerul de Sibiu, Ora de Sibiu, independent Sibiu, Sibiul azi, Hermannstädter Zeitung, Observator cultural, MovieNews, Cinefan, Cinefilia, FILM Magazine, Cineuropa
Monitoring partner: MediaTrust
