Dedicated to visionaries and pioneering storytellers across the globe, we are an international action community of practice, working towards systemic change through the power of authentic and meaningful storytelling. Our catalytic home cinema of the commons and commoning film practices intends to co-create a nourishing influential movement for societal cohesion and to enact integral transformation for planetary impact.

Our aim is to explore and publicize critical scholarly and artistic perspectives of various life views and cosmologies through filmic means and, by doing so, to actively contribute to social cohesion, diversity, inclusivity and emancipation within Swiss society and beyond. We believe that independent and authentic storytelling builds solidarity and engages the audience meaningfully as it broadens minds and horizons. We seek to amplify the power of stories by facilitating funding, collaboration and impactful outreach.

We support independent and transformative stories to be written, screened and shared to shift behavior and catalyze action. Up until its establishment we have screened more than 250 films and reached out to thousands of audiences. We have given 40 awards of recognition for outstanding filmmakers. We have hosted over 80 valuable guests, including award-winning documentary filmmakers, proclaimed thought leaders and inspiring visionaries.
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Also consider applying to our Doc Impact Lab for Mov(i)ement Fellows: https://www.ethnokino.com/docimpactlab
https://www.ethnokino.com

Awards & Prizes

Award of Recognition: We believe every film that makes it to our screens is deserving of recognition.

Rules & Terms

Films can be short to feature, there are no time limits and no rigid rules or terms. We are simply looking for outstanding, groundbreaking, authentic and inspiring examples of storytelling with noble aims and causes. A relation to our designated theme (changes each year) is preferable, but not a must.

In 2025 EthnoKino Film Festival's designated theme is "Magic".

The 5th EthnoKino Film Festival embarks on a journey into the realms of "Magic," a theme that transcends the boundaries of culture, time, and space. As a festival dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of human experience through ethnographic cinema, this year's theme invites filmmakers, anthropologists, and audiences to delve into the mystical, the supernatural, and the extraordinary aspects of life that lie beyond the realm of the ordinary.

Magic, in its many forms, has been a fundamental aspect of human culture since time immemorial. It encompasses the rituals, beliefs, and practices that shape our understanding of the unknown and the unseen. Whether through shamanic rites in indigenous communities, the sacred rituals of ancient civilizations, or the everyday superstitions that permeate modern life, magic serves as a lens through which we can explore the complexities of human existence. By focusing on this theme, the 5th EthnoKino Film Festival aims to shed light on the diverse ways in which different cultures perceive and engage with the magical, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the wonder and mystery that lie at the heart of the human condition.

The curatorial approach for this year's festival is to present a diverse array of films that explore the multifaceted concept of magic. This includes but is not limited to:

Ritual and Ceremony: Films that document and interpret rituals and ceremonies, exploring their significance within different cultural contexts.
Myth and Folklore: Cinematic retellings of myths, legends, and folklore that highlight the role of magic in shaping cultural identities.
The Supernatural in Everyday Life: Stories that capture the presence of the supernatural in the mundane, illustrating how belief in magic influences daily life across different societies.
Contemporary Expressions of Magic: Works that examine the resurgence or reinterpretation of magical practices in modern contexts, including urban environments, digital spaces, and popular culture.
Magic and Power: Films that explore the intersection of magic and power, examining how magical beliefs are used to exert influence, control, or resistance within various societies.

The 5th EthnoKino Film Festival's exploration of "Magic" promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking experience. By bringing together films that illuminate the magical dimensions of life across cultures, the festival aims to inspire audiences to see the world through a different lens, one where the boundaries between the seen and the unseen, the real and the imagined, are fluid and dynamic. Through this theme, EthnoKino continues its mission to deepen our understanding of the diverse ways in which people make sense of the world around them.

3 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Sylvio Rocha

    Dear Festival Organizers,

    I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the EthnoKino Film Festival. The experience was both enriching and inspiring, and I would like to share my thoughts on the festival.

    Brazil’s original people history and heritage are absolutely at risk. As a producer and director, I consider part of our mission to give focus and their heritage culture as it is vital for fostering empathy, justice, and a more inclusive society. This is the first documentary we have produced on such matter and we are happy to say, a lot more Is being produced.

    Participating in the EthnoKino Film Festival has left a lasting impression on me and my team, and I look forward to future events when we may have the chance to screen new our new project.

    Thank you once again for this opportunity to celebrate the power of film in bridging cultural gaps.

    Warm regards,

    Sylvio Rocha
    CEO Tocha Filmes
    Producer

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • José Luis Dávila

    great experience with a great team!!!

    October 2023
    Helpful
  • Antonio Coello

    Words can not express how wonderful this festival and its organizers are. A unique and marvellous cultural and audiovisual experience!

    October 2022
    Helpful