The White Night of Cinema and Citizenship
Organized by Association des Rencontres Méditerranéennes du Cinéma et des Droits de l’Homme (ARMCDH), the 13th edition of “Cinema and Citizenship Night” was held as part of the White Night Thursday Screenings program. The event explored citizenship and social engagement through cinema, offering a critical and analytical reflection on the discussions that followed the film screenings.
Discussion Summary – 13th Edition of “Cinema and Citizenship Night”
1. Frameworks of Dialogue
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Affirming cinema as a safe and open public space for free debate.
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Encouraging direct interaction between filmmakers and audiences as a form of collective knowledge production.
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Promoting a participatory approach that values diverse perspectives, particularly from youth, women, and civil society actors.
2. Contemporary Challenges in Promoting a Culture of Citizenship
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Declining public trust in institutions alongside the growing role of individual and grassroots initiatives.
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The impact of digital media and social platforms on shaping public awareness and civic discourse.
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Difficulties in fostering active citizenship amid ongoing economic and social crises.
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The need to redefine citizenship as a daily practice grounded not only in legal status, but also in ethical and social responsibility.
3. Cinema as a Tool for Awareness and Accountability
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Cinema as a means to expose social inequalities and highlight issues of marginalization and discrimination.
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Its capacity to generate empathy that transcends political and cultural divides.
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Its contribution to questioning public policies through visual storytelling and lived testimonies.
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Its role in stimulating civic participation through post-screening discussions and open dialogue.
Participants’ Recommendations
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Integrating visual literacy and cinema education into school and university curricula to strengthen critical thinking.
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Expanding partnerships with universities and civil society organizations to sustain civic dialogue.
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Supporting local film productions addressing citizenship and social justice themes.
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Developing complementary digital platforms to extend the impact beyond physical screening spaces.
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Encouraging youth-led initiatives that use cinema as a tool for advocacy and expression.
Conclusion
The 13th edition of “Cinema and Citizenship Night” reaffirmed that cinema is not merely an artistic medium, but a powerful civic instrument capable of reimagining citizenship and reinforcing a culture of dialogue and accountability. The discussions reflected a growing awareness of the vital intersection between art and society in shaping responsible and active citizenship at both individual and institutional levels.
