Cultural mediation

The FIFDH perceives cinema as a tool for mediation, an opportunity to engage with diverse audiences. By showcasing impactful and creative films, we facilitate unique opportunities for dialogue among people from varied backgrounds. 

Through cinematic storytelling, discussions and tailor-made workshops, our mediation initiatives create encounters between different social and cultural spheres. These moments provide a platform to contemplate sensitive and intricate issues, encouraging collective envisioning of aspirational futures.

In an effort to transcend social, cultural and generational and geographical barriers, the Festival collaborates with numerous institutions throughout the Canton.

From screenings in hospitals and prisons, to events in accomodation centres, and solidarity tickets… The FIFDH harnesses the power of cinema as an educational and integration tool.

Our mediation programmes

Each programme is tailored for a specific audience:

In hospitals

The FIFDH collaborates with the HUG (Geneva University Hospitals) and the MEA (Children’s and teenagers’ centre) for various activities in hospitals. 

Midi ailleurs

ArtHUG aims to maintain cultural activties across all the HUG sites. In this regard, the FIFDH is collaborating with the HUG and presenting a film as part of the Midi ailleurs programme. The screening is free and open to all: patients, healthcare professionals, carergivers and families, and the wider community.

Artopie jury workshop

The MEA (Children’s and teenagers’ centre) offers comprehensive care for the mental health of children and adolescents, incorporating culture into their care. The FIFDH collaborates with the MEA on an Artopie jury workshop for teenagers from various units.

The participants form a jury, watch several films in the presence of the directors, protagonists or other professionals. Subsequently, they deliberate and award the Prix Artopie to the best film. By expressing their point of view and debating the stance of others, the youth jury members develop a renewed confidence in their abilities. This workshop is exclusively reserved for participants from the units involved and the care teams accompanying them. The Prix Artopie will be announced at the Festival’s closing ceremony.

> Programme 2023

> Programme 2022

> Programme 2021

In correctional facilities 

In collaboration with the Geneva’s Detention Office, women and men deprived of their freedom in the facilities of La Brenaz and Champ-Dollon are actively involved in the Festival.

Correctional participants form a jury and attend screenings within the institutions in the presence of guests and award a prize to the best film, which will be announced at the closing ceremony. Additionally, the workshop includes writing articles for the institutions’ newspapers, detailing their experiences as members of the jury.

The programme was conceived with the aim to be a pedagogical workshop which develop attendees’ analytical, listening and public speaking skills. Participation in the program is exclusively reserved for individuals and staff members of the Geneva Detention Office.

> Programme 2021

For our younger audiences

The FIFDH warmly welcomes young attendees, curious to discover and learn about themes that may sometimes be difficult to discuss. Screenings provide an immersive experience, that combines storytelling and an alternative viewpoint. Additionally, we provide films and workshops for children and their families, in partnership with Le grand écran pour les enfants of the Cinémas du Grütli and with the enriched program of the Lanterne Magique all of which are available during the Festival.

All year round

In the municipalities of Greater Geneva

Throughout the year, the Festival programme is extended through free screenings in partnership with the municipalities of Greater Geneva. By involving residents and local associations, these events aim to highlight the richness and diversity of the Geneva region. They provide an opportunity to get together, view films and discuss human rights issues. They’re convivial, free and open to all!

Join us in Aire-La-Ville, Anières, Avully, Avusy, Bernex, Carouge, Chêne-Bourg, Confignon, Gaillard, Lancy, Meyrin, Onex, Plan-les-Ouates, Presinge, Satigny, Saint-Genis Pouilly, Thônex and Vernier.

With the Hospice général

Throughout the year, the Festival programme is extended through free screenings in partnership with the municipalities of Greater Geneva. By engaging residents and local associations, these events aim to highlight the richness and diversity of the Geneva region. They provide an opportunity for communal gatherings, film viewing, and discussions about human rights issues. They’re convivial, free and open to all!

Furthermore, the Festival involves CHC residents in its team of volunteers. Under the supervision of other volunteers, residents gain an insider’s perspective of the Festival.

Solidary tickets, accessibility and inclusion

The solidary ticket system provides people facing precarious situations with the opportunity to attend to a screening of the FIFDH. Over 200 tickets are purchased by our partners and local associations allocate tickets to people who receive social assistance.

In association with Regards Neufs (an association promoting access to the art of cinematography for individuals with visual or hearing impairments), the FIFDH shall present several screenings with audio descriptions for blind and visually-impaired people, and with subtitles for deaf and hearing-impaired people, followed by discussions facilitated with sign language interpretation.

These initiatives aim to enhance the accessibility of the FIFDH for individuals with visual or hearing disabilities, and foster inclusive environments by promoting interactions between diverse audiences.

School and educational sessions

Cultural mediation will be extended to schools during the Festival through the educational programme, and throughout the year in Geneva’s secondary I & II schools. Details about these programmes can be found in the Schools section.