EDUKINO – Empowering Film Festival

Open Call for Films: EDUKINO – Empowering Film Festival

EDUKINO Empowering Film Festival invites filmmakers worldwide to submit their inspiring and empowering cinematic works addressed to young people. We're searching for stories that illuminate the strength of the human spirit and the journey of overcoming adversity, specifically designed to equip young people for the complexities of modern life.

We are particularly interested in films that explore the following four crucial areas:

1. Building Resilience and Mental Health
We seek films featuring protagonists who grapple with personal limitations, disappointment, sadness, fear, self-doubt, loneliness, or depression. By witnessing their struggles and coping mechanisms, young viewers can find relatable experiences, learn practical solutions, and strengthen their sense of hope, understanding that the path through pain can lead to profound strength and wisdom.

2. Developing Critical Thinking and Resistance to Disinformation
In an age saturated with fake news, media manipulation, and the pervasive influence of AI, EDUKINO champions films that foster critical thinking through intricate narratives and diverse perspectives. We invite submissions that teach audiences to analyze motives, intentions, and the credibility of information, while also recognizing emotional manipulation. Such films should enhance resistance to disinformation and cultivate empathy for differing viewpoints.

3. Preparation for Technological and Global Challenges
We are looking for films that humanize global issues in an accessible way, tackling subjects like the consequences of terrorism, the far-reaching impact of technology (including AI), and climate change. We encourage productions that present individual stories that build empathy, awaken global awareness, and inspire young people towards social action and value-driven decisions.

4. Support in the Crisis of Identity and Personal Development
We are searching for film narratives about heroes who champion their values, pursue their dreams, and develop their passions. These stories should help young viewers define their own value systems, ignite creativity, encourage self-fulfillment, and showcase the rich diversity of life paths, empowering them to break free from conventional molds.

For 15 years, the EDUKINO Film Festival has expanded viewers' perspectives, with a strong focus on socially conscious youth cinema. This year, in-person screenings will take place at the MOK Cinema in Józefów from 15-th to 18-th October, 2025. Following this, films will be available for online streaming from 19-th to 26-th October, 2025.