Project Reference: 2024-1-EL02-KA152-YOU-000234876
Status: Completed | Duration: August 2024 – June 2025 | EU Grant: 32,506 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+ | Action Type: Mobility of Young People
Countries Involved: Greece, Croatia, Serbia, Germany, Poland

Background
In today’s fast-changing world, young people often struggle to understand who they are and where they belong. Transitions such as finishing school, starting university, or entering the job market can cause uncertainty, confusion, and stress. The Film of Identity project was designed to help youth explore these challenges in a creative, supportive way. Coordinated by Thessaloniki Pride, the initiative brought together participants from five European countries to explore the theme of identity through film and art.

Objectives
The project’s main goal was to support young people in discovering and expressing their personal identities. By using film and storytelling as tools, the project helped participants reflect on their experiences, emotions, and cultural backgrounds. It also aimed to build resilience, self-awareness, and confidence while encouraging acceptance of diversity and inclusion in society. Through dialogue and collaboration, participants learned how identity shapes their sense of belonging and how understanding others’ perspectives can foster empathy and connection.

Implementation
The youth exchange took place in Thessaloniki, Greece, from 2 to 10 September 2024, and involved 31 participants aged 18–30, including group leaders and facilitators. Each partner country — Greece, Croatia, Serbia, Germany, and Poland — sent five participants and one leader. Workshops focused on non-formal learning, creative teamwork, and open discussion. The project’s structure encouraged mutual learning, giving everyone the space to share personal stories and cultural insights in a safe environment.

Key Activities
Participants engaged in a variety of workshops and activities designed to explore identity from different angles. Sessions included storytelling, team-building, and improvisational theatre, all leading up to the creation of a collaborative short film — the final product of the exchange. Through these creative exercises, young people learned to express themselves, recognize shared experiences, and build empathy for others facing identity-related challenges. The project also included discussions on social pressures, media influence, and self-image, helping participants develop emotional awareness and supportive communication skills.

Results
The youth exchange resulted in a short film that captured the participants’ reflections on identity and belonging. In addition, groups created informational posters about identity and mental health, offering advice and contact details for local support organizations. These materials were translated into several languages and distributed in schools, youth centers, and workplaces. Together, these outputs promoted awareness of identity struggles among young people and provided practical resources for those seeking support.

Impact
The Film of Identity had a meaningful and lasting impact on participants and their communities. It helped young people gain self-confidence, improve communication skills, and better understand both themselves and others. The project also raised public awareness about identity-related issues, inspiring open conversations and reducing stigma. By sharing the final film and posters across social media and local networks, the project reached a wider audience, spreading its message of empathy, inclusion, and self-acceptance.