DocuEurope: Filming Europe Beyond Borders – Exploring European Identity Through Documentary Storytelling
DocuEurope was an Erasmus+ training course organised by Formation et Sensibilisation Luxembourg (FSL) from 18 to 25 October 2025 in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. The project brought together youth workers, educators and youth leaders to explore European identity, cultural diversity and active citizenship through documentary filmmaking. By combining non-formal education, intercultural dialogue and audiovisual storytelling, DocuEurope encouraged participants to reflect on different perspectives of Europe and transform their ideas into short documentary films.
Standort
Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Dauer
18 – 25 October 2025
Finanzierungsprogramm
Erasmus+ Youth, co-funded by the European Union through Anefore
Schwerpunktbereiche
Documentary filmmaking, European identity, intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity, media literacy and active citizenship
Teilnehmer
Youth workers, educators and youth leaders
Wichtige Aktivitäten & Lernen
Exploring European Identities
The first part of the training focused on getting to know one another, sharing personal stories and exploring European identities. Sessions such as “Europe, Me and the City of Esch”, “Pluralism, Identity and Borders in Europe”, and “Personal Stories” encouraged participants to reflect on how their experiences shape their understanding of Europe.
Creative and Technical Documentary Production
Participants then moved into the creative and technical aspects of documentary production, exploring creative writing, storytelling, basic filming techniques, composition, sound, editing and post-production.
Visit to the European Parliament
A visit to the European Parliament also provided an opportunity to connect discussions about European identity and citizenship with the institutional dimension of the European Union.
Filming, Editing and Premieres
During the practical filmmaking phase, participants worked individually and collaboratively to develop their documentary ideas, record audiovisual materials and edit their films. The final stage of the training focused on film premieres, screenings, dissemination and follow-up activities, allowing participants to present their work, exchange feedback and reflect on how documentary storytelling could be integrated into their future youth work.
Ergebnisse & Wirkung
Short Documentary Films
The short documentary films developed through the project offer different perspectives on European identity, diversity and life across borders. They are also valuable dissemination materials, making participants' creative work visible and extending the educational impact of the training beyond those directly involved.
Storytelling in Youth Work
The project encouraged participants to integrate documentary storytelling into their professional activities, whether through youth workshops, educational initiatives, community projects or awareness-raising campaigns.
Learning Beyond the Camera
Working in an international group created opportunities for participants to practise intercultural communication, cooperation, creative problem-solving and critical thinking, and to consider how documentary films can challenge stereotypes, promote cultural understanding and contribute to more inclusive narratives about European identity.
Documentary Filmmaking as a Tool for Intercultural Learning
DocuEurope was built around the idea that storytelling can create connections between people who come from different cultural, geographical and institutional backgrounds.
Rather than approaching European identity as a fixed concept, the project encouraged participants to explore its complexity through personal experiences, cultural narratives and critical reflection. Documentary filmmaking became both a creative learning method and a way to communicate perspectives that are often overlooked in public discussions about Europe.
The project also drew inspiration from the EU Strategy for Cultural Diplomacy (2016), highlighting the role of culture, creativity and people-to-people exchange in strengthening mutual understanding.
DocuEurope reminds us that Europe is not only defined by institutions or geographical borders, but also by the people, experiences and stories that connect us.
