Young people from Germany and France train as film critics

The FGYO (French-German Youth Organisation) strives to foster cultural ties between French and German youths, as part of a broader Europe. To this day, close to 10 million young people have taken part in a wide range of exchange programmes, which have evolved along with young people’s interests, whether it be through school exchange programmes, internships abroad, or cultural programmes such as the film criticism workshops organised during La Semaine de la Critique! 

These cultural events have a very specific impact in that they broaden one’s horizons and transcend borders. That is why FGYO has such a long history with film literacy. Since 2005, we’ve been working with La Semaine de la Critique to train young people from all walks of life in film criticism. From the 20th to 24th of May, 20 young people from all over France and Germany (Corsica, Nouvelle Aquitaine, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse) will have the opportunity to discover new cultures and new outlooks through lively discussions, education workshops and sharing their perspectives on films. 

Not only do these film literacy workshops allow them to discover the wide range of cinematic works, they are also an opportunity for young people to sharpen their critical thinking skills and make up their own minds so they may debate openly on the geopolitical, social, and environmental challenges of a world that they will soon lead. A vital endeavour in our day and age. 

Anne Tallineau and Tobias Bütow
General Secretaries | OFAJ
© Thibaut Chapotot