In a time when young audiences can access almost anything online, there’s- perhaps paradoxically - growing pressure from parents, schools, and institutions to shield them from complex, challenging or uncomfortable content. What happens when this protective instinct clashes with the filmmaker’s drive to tell bold, honest stories? How does this tension shape the choices filmmakers make, both creatively and ethically? This session explores the delicate balance between safeguarding and empowering young audiences, both through the lens of those who create films and those who present them, and how to foster dialogue around “difficult” films - creating spaces where disagreement can be productive, and where young viewers are not only protected but also challenged, respected, and heard.

The talk will include case studies by filmmakers behind documentaries of strong educational value, experts in film education and festival organisers with experience in working with young audiences. 

After the talk, there will be a short presentation of thefilm-ed.euwebsite, which aims to support educators and organizations in conducting film education with particular focus on documentary film. The website will be presented by Karolina Śmigiel and Katarzyna Ślesicka (Wajda Film Center). 

Moderator: Signe Zeilich-Jensen (Independent film consultant)
Speakers: Carlos Hagerman (Filmmaker, Home is Somewhere Else, 2022), Eva Nijsten (Filmmaker, Honestly, 2024), Anne Rethfeld (DAE), Gudrun Sommer (DOX Ruhr), Alyxandra Westwood (Netherlands Film Festival)

Closed caption service for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is available for this session. Please ask our staff for QR codes to scan on your phone.