Fundación Española por los Derechos Humanos and YOUROPE Project created the “Yourope – Short Film Competition on Democracy and Human Rights”, to raise awareness of issues concerning democracy, migration, inclusive future, cost of living crisis and climate.
The competition is open to audiovisual works in any digital format. Films must focus on one of the 5 key themes of the initiative. The maximum length of each short film is 15 minutes, including credits.
The competition will award prizes according to the following rules and criteria listed below.
The Yourope – Short Film Competition on Democracy and Human Rights is a platform for digital work that educates society on the importance of democracy, migration, inclusive future, cost of living crisis and climate. Therefore, entries should focus on one or more of the 5 key themes of the initiative:
Promoting Participation and Protecting Freedoms of Association, Peaceful Assembly, and Expression
Civic space is the beating heart of any democracy. It is the environment that allows individuals and communities to speak out, organise, and influence the decisions that shape their lives. This space is where civil society thrives—where people come together to access information, engage in dialogue, express dissent, and advocate for change.
In recent years, this space has come under increasing pressure. Across the globe, repressive laws, surveillance, and digital censorship are shrinking the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. Civil society organisations—especially those working on human rights and democracy—face growing restrictions, harassment, and threats. While digital tools have empowered new forms of activism, they have also been used to justify crackdowns on dissent under the guise of national security.
This theme invites filmmakers to explore stories that highlight:
Key questions to inspire your story:
Migration is one of the defining human stories of our time. Whether fleeing war, persecution, poverty, or climate disasters, millions of people are on the move—seeking safety, dignity, and a chance to rebuild their lives. Yet, as arrivals at Europe’s borders increase, so too do the barriers.
In recent years, the European Union and its member states have intensified deterrence measures, often at the cost of human rights. From unlawful pushbacks and detention abuses to alliances with regimes that violate international law, the journey to safety has become increasingly perilous. In 2023 alone, over 240,000 people arrived irregularly at the EU’s southern borders, and nearly 2,600 died or went missing at sea.
At the same time, the EU’s response to the war in Ukraine—offering temporary protection to over 4.2 million people—has shown that humane, coordinated action is possible. But challenges remain, especially in ensuring access to education, housing, and employment for all displaced people.
This theme invites filmmakers to explore:
Key questions to inspire your story:
2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action—two milestones that remind us of the enduring power of human rights to build peaceful, inclusive societies.
Yet across Europe, inclusion remains a challenge. Rising racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and online abuse—especially targeting women and girls—are symptoms of deeper structural inequalities. LGBTIQ+ communities, people with disabilities, migrants, and ethnic minorities continue to face exclusion in public life, digital spaces, and access to services.
This theme invites filmmakers to imagine and advocate for a future where no one is left behind. It’s a call to explore:
Key questions to inspire your story:
Across the EU, millions are struggling to meet basic needs. In 2022, over 95 million people—more than one in five—were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The crisis is not just economic; it’s a human rights emergency.
From unemployment and housing insecurity to energy poverty and digital exclusion, the cost-of-living crisis is deepening inequalities. Vulnerable groups—women, Roma communities, people with disabilities, single-parent households, and the homeless—face the greatest barriers to accessing essential services like healthcare, education, and transport.
This theme invites filmmakers to spotlight:
Key questions to inspire your story:
Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human rights crisis. It threatens our rights to life, health, food, water, housing, and self-determination. And while the impacts are global, they are not equally felt.
Across Europe, heatwaves, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe. Vulnerable communities—especially those already facing poverty or marginalization—are the least prepared and the hardest hit. Yet, climate action remains uneven, and adaptation efforts lag behind the pace of the crisis.
This theme invites filmmakers to explore:
Key questions to inspire your story:
To participate in the contest, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Your short film must explore at least one of the following key issues:
Each submission must include the following materials:
Visionary Roadmaps: Crafting an Inclusive and Participatory European Democracy with Youth and Communities – Youth for Europe / YOUROPE
Project Reference: 101178794
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