Film education is a crucial component of media literacy

In today's rapidly evolving digital world, where visual storytelling dominates our screens, film education is becoming an important component of media literacy. As we consume an increasing amount of audio-visual content, understanding the language of film goes beyond entertainment; it becomes a key tool for critical thinking and effective communication. Hence, it is crucial to explore the significance of film education as an essential element of media literacy, shedding light on how it empowers children and young people to navigate the complex world of multimedia content and make informed choices in the digital environment.

The European Film Factory (EFF) platform, funded by the Creative Europe Media programme, facilitates this journey. It offers a wide range of resources and opportunities to enhance film education and media literacy across Europe and beyond.

Over the last three years, project partners, in collaboration with teachers, have been developing teaching resources adapted for non-experts. These resources are easily accessible and flexible, designed to fit the diverse educational systems in Europe where educators and cultural mediators often lack the necessary tools and materials. The project platform provides access to more than 20 feature films, short films, documentaries, and animations, along with educational kits translated into nine languages.

This year has been quite eventful for the project. The 16th Four River Film Festival, which took place in Croatia in September 2023, witnessed the valuable contribution of the EFF project to the world of film education and the cinematic landscape through a series of masterclasses and workshops.

In the upcoming months, a series of webinars and masterclasses will take place, hosted by experts in the film industry alongside teachers who actively use EFF resources and tools in their classroom practice. Register on the European Film Factory platform to gain access to the film catalogue and educational kits, and to stay updated on new projects, resources and events.

Image credit: European Film Factory (EFF)