Our focus
Today’s adopt and adapt to new technologies with ease. They’re highly engaged in creating and consuming a range of visual and digital content. We can provide opportunities for the next generation to develop their storytelling skills. This will allow them to engage audiences with their passions, concerns, and ideas.
We aim to help grow the next generation of globally aware and connected leaders through improved screen literacy, knowledge, and cultural exchange programmes. These initiatives will be co-designed with rangatahi to ensure buy-in.
These programmes will also show Wellington’s youth that living a creative life is possible in Wellington.
Our plans
- Engage rangatahi to enjoy screen experiences and create content about their passions and concerns.
- Ensure equal access for all children and young people — diverse representation and perspectives to build understanding.
- Provide opportunities to explore the Sustainable Development Agenda and how it relates to their communities now and in the future.
- Provide screen experience and literacy programmes designed by youth to inspire and engage their peers.
Our actions
In 2021, our UNESCO City of Film platform partnered with The Outlook for Someday. Together we delivered a creative leadership programme for young filmmakers, Someday Leaders.
We designed the programme to provide young people with an insight into the role of producer or creative leadership. Using a ‘get the crew together’ approach, participants created and promoted projects in their own communities.
Over a weekend, young people aged 13 to 19 gathered in teams. Participants were from a variety of schools and diverse backgrounds. Each team created a short film with a sustainability focus. Through the process, participants learned essential life and career lessons. These included how to manage conflict, have difficult conversations, and motivate others. They were also required to think about the audience and their art in a wider context.
Teams presented their short films at the conclusion of the weekend. The themes ranged from a moody and erratic tale of mental health to a mockumentary about an environmental superhero gone rogue.
The programme proved so successful it was re-offered in 2022.