27. May 2012

EUROPE PAST FORWARD

Launched at the beginning of 2012, the European Economic and Social Committee‘s first Video Challenge was created to reach out to European youth. Less than three months later, the competition was wrapped up during a very emotional award ceremony held at the EESC in March 2012.

The competition gave European youth aged 18-30 years the opportunity to showcase what Europe means to them via a short video. Being an amateur was one the conditions for the competition as was taking into consideration the 2012 European year of „Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations”. Out of 67 entries, 43 videos qualified to enter the online public voting. Finally, a jury composed of two EESC Members and two film and media professionals selected the three winning video clips out of a shortlist of 11 videos resulting from the initial public voting. The challenge actively used social media to engage with the citizens. On the one hand, with the youth of Europe via video submissions, and on the other hand, with all EU citizens who could share and discuss the videos and finally take part in the public voting.

THE WINNING PROJECTS 2012

1st prize: The video Zinnekes from an international team from Belgium creatively demonstrates different values and beliefs through the use of key words written on a big sheet of paper. If Europe was a word, which word would it be? It includes snapshots of people from the street highlighting European values, ideas and key achievements- sometimes in a critical or a light-hearted way. The interconnectivity and sense of community is greatly shown, and the overall message is an optimistic one for Europe.

2nd prize: Barre Barreras from Spain shows the borders and differences present in European society through a symbolic and creative approach. The simplicity of the actions taken in this video provides symbolic meaning to many European issues faced in the past as well as today. The overall message is one of hope and positive change as the borders are finally simply swept away. The team donated the money they won to a charity organisation in Nicaragua.

3rd prize: Our European Life, a video entry from Hungary, uses familiar and youthful props such as little figures and drawing paper to create an upbeat and dynamic animated clip. Key European values are communicated  and clearly demonstrate what Europe means to the producers of this video.

The winning projects are available on the EECS-website.