REEL: Reflection, Expression, Empathy and Learning through Film

The training aims to develop participants’ practical skills in using films and short films as tools for non-formal youth education and to teach them how to create learning spaces where young people can reflect, express themselves, develop empathy and learn through dialogue.

During the course, participants will explore how films and short films can be used in youth work with groups of different levels, interests and needs. They will learn how to select films and scenes according to the objectives of a particular activity, the age and interests of young people, and their diverse needs. Participants will explore practical methods for facilitating discussions and reflection before, during and after a screening, connecting what young people watch with their own experiences and wider social issues. The course will also focus on creating safe spaces for discussing sensitive topics and on adapting screenings, discussions and creative tasks so that young people with different abilities and needs can participate fully.

Participants will also learn how to design and test their own film-based activities for youth groups and explore how to create and develop youth film clubs as spaces for shared viewing, dialogue, reflection and interaction. The course provides an opportunity to explore tools of non-formal education, the Erasmus+ programme and international cooperation in youth work.

The training is designed as a practical learning process that connects the use of film with concrete methods of non-formal education and approaches that participants can apply in their youth work.

Objectives of the training:

The main objective of the training is to develop participants’ competencies in using films and methods of non-formal education to create accessible and inclusive learning spaces where young people can reflect, express themselves, develop empathy and learn through dialogue.

By the end of the training, participants will:

• explore how films and short films can be used as tools of non-formal education in youth work;
• learn how to select films and scenes according to educational objectives, the age and interests of young people, and their diverse needs;
• learn practical methods for facilitating discussions and reflection after film screenings;
• understand how to connect films and discussions with participants’ own experiences and wider social issues;
• learn how to create safe spaces for discussing sensitive and complex topics;
• develop and test their own film-based activities for youth groups;
• learn how to adapt screenings, discussions and creative tasks to different abilities and needs;
• explore how to create and develop youth film clubs as spaces for shared viewing, dialogue, reflection and interaction;
• become familiar with tools of non-formal education;
• learn about the Erasmus+ programme and opportunities for international cooperation in youth work;
• be able to apply the methods and approaches gained during the training in their future youth work.

Target group - the training is aimed at:

• youth workers;
• leaders of youth non-governmental organisations;
• educators and trainers;
• people interested in using films as a tool in youth work;
• people who have experience or motivation to work with youth groups.

Participants are expected to have experience or motivation to work with youth groups, be ready to use non-formal education methods, actively participate in all course activities, be motivated to develop professionally in youth work and be ready to apply the knowledge gained in their future work.

Methodology:

The training focuses on practical learning and the use of films and short films as tools of non-formal education. Participants will explore methods for selecting and using film materials, facilitating discussions and reflection, creating safe spaces for sensitive topics, and adapting activities to different groups and needs.

Participants will work individually and in groups, experiment with different approaches and develop and test their own film-based activities for youth groups. The learning process connects the course content with participants’ own youth work, with an emphasis on practical application of the methods and approaches introduced during the training.

Practical information:

The training course will take place in Tallinn, Estonia, from 14 to 21 November 2026. The working language of the course is Russian.

Participants are expected to take an active part in all activities of the course and to apply the acquired knowledge and methods in their youth work after the training. As part of the project, participants will also be expected to carry out a follow-up activity in their local community and provide feedback and a report on this activity.

Participants are also invited to visit PÖFF - Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival during their educational stay in Tallinn.