At the end of January, almost 500 students from the Principality’s schools and the International University of Monaco gathered at the Théâtre des Variétés to view—and vote on—an array of short films that promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, as part of the Cinema for Change initiative.
Organised with the support of the Monegasque Government, the Cinema for Change Festival aims to foster awareness of international development and cohesion among young people. This year marked the 14th edition of the event, which was held on 30th January, with Monaco’s students playing an essential role in selecting the winners of three separate prizes, divided by age group.
Marc Obéron, the festival’s founder, personally introduced six short films in competition to 22 classes from six schools across Monaco. Their votes will be combined with those of students from all over France and the seven countries partnered with Monegasque Cooperation—Burkina Faso, Burundi, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania and Tunisia—forming a vast jury of over 30,000 students.
University students from the Mediterranean-Middle East campus of Sciences Po Paris in Menton were later given the chance to screen the four pre-selected films nominated for the University Students’ Prize. Their involvement is part of an ongoing partnership with the Monegasque Department of International Cooperation, dedicated to educating young scholars on global challenges, human rights and the fight against poverty.
The grand finale of the Cinema for Change Festival will take place on 12th April at the GoodPlanet Foundation in Paris, where the winning films will be honoured. As anticipation builds, Monaco’s students can take pride in their role as changemakers, using the power of cinema to inspire a more sustainable and equitable future.
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Photo source: Monaco Department of International Cooperation