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Description
CINEFIL organizes film festivals, screenings, discussions, debates and other activities as part of the existing project “Cinema Úsmev - City Cinema and Audiovisual Culture Centre”. The organization considers it necessary to extend operation, to provide further development opportunities for film enthusiasts. It is important to educate viewers through regular film circles and workshops while opening up to new audiences. The goal is to act more actively as a platform for integrating vulnerable groups, , including Roma into society. Many children from vulnerable groups, have different barriers to getting to culture and this is about to change.
The project is divided into three objectives: more efficient organization (improving management and process efficiency, transparency towards the public and partners, improving funding diversification), improving communication with the city of Košice, private companies, building relationships with project partners and flagging projects (e.g. the SMILE Clapperboard project - educational program for children and youth of vulnerable groups and the ''normal'' population, or an open screening project twice a six months adapted for two other vulnerable groups: autism, dementia). Project will organise a presentation on the outputs of the project and the cooperation CINEFIL with the organisations of vulnerable groups and discussion on the topic of "Openness culture". The main objective is to develop the Cinema Úsmev to be accessible to vulnerable groups of any kind. These include the Roma minority, Cinema Usmev closely cooperates with CSOs focused on Roma inclusion, and provides its space to Roma inclusion events.
The Slovak partner organisation Smile at Me is the central partner in collaboration on the project activity Clapperboard Smile. The Norwegian partner, Tou Scene AS is an essential part of the project as a consultant, the provider of the know-how, how to manage cultural organizations, communicate with stakeholders, etc.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to streamline the operation and communication of the Úsmev Cinema, to contribute to a more inclusive and open cultural offer in Košice and to a more sustainable and ecological operation of the Úsmev Cinema building. To improve its internal processes, CINEFIL has built capacity through workshops focused on marketing, team communication and inclusion.
The organization participated in 5 trainings with a Norwegian partner, with whom it continuously discussed current challenges and their possible solutions. To improve the organization''s transparency, the results were published in annual reports and a board of directors was established. Through workshops on non-violent communication with marginalized groups, social networking, inclusive education and film education, the organization has helped to communicate better with its partner organizations (which were small organizations with less experiences). Thanks to the reconstruction of the lower spaces of the Úsmev Cinema, it was possible to create an ideal space and conditions for the launch of the inclusive film groups Klapka, Úsmev! In addition, the program included open screenings specifically tailored to people suffering from autism and dementia, thus expanding the local cultural offer (a total of 14 screenings with almost 300 visitors).
CINEFIL, together with experts, worked on a new architectural and technical project "Green Cinema" in order to create the basis for the construction of the most energy-efficient building in Košice, in a workshop with the French architect Jean-Marc Lalo and the ZeroZero studio. At the end of the project, the activities were presented at the online event called Open Culture. In addition, a summer inclusive camp was set up with 50 children from different backgrounds to sensitize them and show them a more tolerant and empathetic approach to members of vulnerable groups. The first year of the inclusive film festival was also organized and a total of more than 700 people took part. In addition to screenings, it included panel discussions, concerts and performances.
The project has sparked a debate on inclusion and openness in culture, and gained and build contacts, culminating in the establishment of an inclusive platform that brings together non-profit organizations, civic associations and cultural centers in an effort to be more accessible to all.
Summary of bilateral results
The cooperation and active involvement of the Norwegian partner Tou, in the role of consultant, was essential for the successful completion and long-term sustainability of the ongoing activities within the project. During the meetings and workshops, the organizational structure of the civic association CINEFIL and the challenges related to the development of the organization were addressed through in-depth analysis and discussions. The partner was passionate and offered valuable advice and experience gained during his long career in one of the largest independent cultural centers in Norway. It was crucial to take on local challenges with an independent expert who was able to offer CINEFIL insight and new perspectives. Thanks to the meetings, they worked out a concrete proposal for the necessary changes, including adjustments in the structure, flow of funds, statutes, and defined their vision and mission. They also gained new experience in managing a cultural organization, communicating with stakeholders and audience development. The partner also presented examples of good practice in communication with the public sector and shared their solutions, thus helping CINEFIL to solve current challenges. For the whole team, the meetings with the partner were very beneficial and thus built up capacities. Thanks to the project, the relations between CINEFIL and Tou have been further strengthened and the cooperation will continue within the Kósy Kino project. Further project visits, consultations and also the launch of a residency program for Slovak and Norwegian artists and professionals from the cultural and creative industries are planned for the future.