Cinema Bestiale: Training programs on film, the enviroment and the local area

Cinema Bestiale kicks off, the new project of Euganea Movie Movement dedicated to image and audiovisual education in schools of the Euganean Hills!

Capitralizing on the engaging power of audiovisual media, the project aims to promote and develop critical awareness of environmental, biodiversity, and ethical issues, with a particular focus on exploring the relationship between cinema and the animal kingdom.

Students and teachers from various schools will participate in a series of documentary filmmaking workshops (for middle and high school students) and animation filmmaking workshops (for primary and middle school students). These workshops will be led by professional animators and directors, who will actively involve students in all stages of the audiovisual production process. The aim is to introduce students to a deeper understanding of cinematic language on one hand, and environmental awareness on the other. 

An important part of the project is dedicated to a film programme focused on the relationship between humans and nature, with specific screenings tailored to ages 6+, 10+, and 14+ at Cinema Corallo in Monselice, Teatro Perla in Torreglia, and Cinema Farinelli in Este. Film screenings will be accompanied by discussions to explore the intersection of cinema and environmental issues, featuring experts from environmental and sustainability-focused organizations. 

The project also includes targeted training workshops for teachers, providing tools, methodologies, and thematic insights for direct use with students, including multimedia resources, film guides, and technical sheets. 

Finally, some components of the Cinema Bestiale project will form a subprogram of the 24th Euganea Film Festival. During the festival, a series of activities specifically for participating students will be held, such as meet-and-greet sessions and masterclasses with filmmakers and directors featured in the Euganea Film Festival, as well as guided excursions focused on local biology and ethology. Additionally, a student jury (high school students) will be established to award the Cinemambulante prize to a film competing in the festival’s international short film category. The work of this jury will form an educational path in film analysis and critique throughout the school year. 

Cinema Bestiale is funded by the Ministry of Education and Merit’s Cinema and Image for Schools fund, as well as by the Ministry of Culture – Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual Media.