In a world increasingly driven by visual storytelling, the Cinema Paradiso: Social Impact through Videomaking project has equipped youth workers with the skills to harness the power of video for social change. Coordinated and led by Asociación Cultural L’Ayalguina (Spain), this Erasmus+ Training Course brought together participants from Belgium, Spain, Romania, Croatia, Lithuania, Italy, and Poland. Among them, Team Belgium - composed of Esteban Lloret Linares, Lana Margaroni, and Arno Berck (selected through an open call and interviews) - represented the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) with enthusiasm and dedication.
A Journey into Impactful Storytelling
Inspired by the iconic film Cinema Paradiso, the project embraced its themes of mentorship and education, creating a unique space for youth workers to develop videomaking skills that drive civic engagement. Over the course of seven days (Sept 28–Oct 4, 2024), participants engaged in an intensive, hands-on learning experience, immersing themselves in the art of accessible and impactful digital storytelling. Before their departure to Spain, EMA’s Policy and Quality Assurance Unit Director, Shahin S Eity, met with Team Belgium to introduce them to EMA’s global initiatives. His words of encouragement set the stage for an enriching learning experience, reinforcing EMA’s commitment to empowering members through collaboration and skill development.
A Hands-On Approach to Videomaking
The structured program placed a strong emphasis on experiential learning—80% practical activities, 10% theoretical sessions, and 10% reflection exercises. The first three days focused on fundamental photography and videography techniques, experimenting with frugal production and guerrilla filmmaking. The latter half of the training encouraged practical application, allowing participants to interact with local organizations and put their newfound skills into action.
For Team Belgium, the experience was transformative. Lana reflected, “A key takeaway was learning how to craft compelling narratives that connect with people on an emotional level. The collaborative environment was inspiring, and seeing our projects come to life was incredibly rewarding.” Esteban emphasized the human element in storytelling, stating, “Videomaking is 50% human communication and coordination. Sometimes, intuition matters more than technical skills.”
From Training to Action: The Sustainability Meets Impact Initiative
The learnings from Cinema Paradiso did not end in Spain. Upon returning, EMA collaborated with Lana and Esteban to put their skills into action through the Sustainability Meets Impact initiative. As part of this effort, EMA volunteers participated in local tree-planting events, with Esteban capturing the impact through videography. Lana filmed EMA speakers in Belgium discussing sustainable fashion. The duo then worked together to compile and edit the video, bringing EMA’s vision to life through powerful storytelling.
The final video was a testament to their dedication, creativity, and commitment to impactful communication. EMA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Lana and Esteban for their hard work and flexibility in bringing this project to fruition.
Acknowledging Collaboration and Looking Ahead
EMA would like to thank Fabio Meazza and his team at Asociación Cultural L’Ayalguina (YEuropa) for coordinating a high-quality training experience, as well as the project’s partner organisations for their collaboration in making Cinema Paradiso a resounding success.
Through Cinema Paradiso, EMA reaffirmed its belief in the power of visual storytelling to drive meaningful impact. As participants continue to apply their skills beyond the training course, the ripple effect of this initiative will be felt across communities, one story at a time. Building on this momentum, EMA is eager to participate in more Erasmus+ projects that empower its community with valuable skills for social change. For more information, or to collaborate on future initiatives, reach out to projects@em-a.eu.
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