The project Face to Face with European Cinema was carried out in partnership with Łódź and film institutions from Valladolid, Terrassa, and Potsdam, with the aim of bringing European cinema closer to young audiences by allowing them to experience the culture of each country represented.

The project was designed as a series of large-scale events for children and young people, combining film screenings with cultural happenings. Each meeting presented not only the cinema of a selected European country, but also its history, music, art, cuisine, language, and characteristic symbols. In this way, young viewers could connect with a country on multiple levels and gain a deeper understanding of its film tradition.

Research and observations showed that young people often saw European cinema as distant, difficult, or less appealing compared to mainstream productions. They tended to focus only on the entertainment aspect of film, rarely treating it as an educational or cultural experience. Face to Face with European Cinema responded to this by offering young audiences tools to interpret films, encouraging reflection and discussion, and showing that cinema could inspire curiosity, broaden horizons, and foster openness towards cultural diversity.

The events were held at the Lider cinema, with each month dedicated to one country. These included Spanish cinema (with partners in Valladolid and Terrassa), German cinema (with partners in Potsdam), as well as French, Scandinavian, Italian, and Czech cinema. Every European Day offered several hours of activities, screenings, and cultural encounters prepared in collaboration with local and international partners.

Through this project, Gdynia demonstrated how cinema could become a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for developing active, culturally aware young citizens.

Coordinator:
Gdynia Film Centre

Partners:

• Broadway Cinemas Valladolid
• Cine Casablanca
• Cinema Catalunya
• Thalia – Das Programmkino
• Kino Charlie (Łódź)