Film Curation Workshop
KUKI Festival
8 - 15 November 2026
8 - 15 November 2026
Film Curation Workshop
We are still looking for an enthusiastic school class that would like to actively participate in shaping our festival! As part of our free “TeenScreen” curation workshop, we are offering students in grades 7–9 and 10–13 the opportunity to curate their own short film program for the festival.
→ The first class has already been selected, and we are currently only looking for students in grades 10–13!
What is it about?
During the project weeks before the 2026 summer holidays, the participating classes will each view an age-appropriate selection of approximately 25 contemporary international short films (with English subtitles), which have been carefully compiled in advance by the KUKI team. Accompanied by professional curators, the teenagers will analyse, discuss and evaluate the films – thematically, these revolve around issues and experiences that directly affect young people: cultural identity, diversity, cohesion, gender roles, discrimination, democracy, (in)equality of opportunity, belonging and much more.
The aim is to use exchange and democratic decision-making processes to create their own film program of 5–7 short films, which will be presented to a large Berlin school audience as part of the KUKI Festival in November 2026 (November 8–15).
Why participate?
Promotion of media literacy and critical thinking
Examination of socially relevant topics
Strengthening of self-efficacy through independent program design
Insight into curatorial and film culture processes
Experience of democratic decision-making in a group
And best of all: in November, the students get to experience “their” program live on the big screen – together with other classes at the festival cinema! Their decision is of great importance: their selection determines which international filmmakers are invited to the festival and whose films are then presented in the competition. The participants thus take on real responsibility for the festival program and give filmmakers a stage.
Organizational details:
Participation is currently still possible for:
We appreciate your interest and are happy to answer any questions and coordinate possible dates!
Please contact us at: info(at)kuki-berlin.com
What did you particularly like about the workshop?
-The honesty.
-Being able to engage in discussion with people.
-Friendly team members; very understanding.
-Snacks/stickers ;)
-Atmosphere.
-The very nice people who led the project.
-The variety of films
-That there were breaks between the films
-I really liked that we communicated, watched, and debated together. We were able to make important decisions and it was fun to watch different short films.
-That we were allowed to express our opinions and the supervisors didn't object
-Not strict
What didn't you like so much? Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
-Not to stick to regular break times; it would be better to take your own breaks between films and do physical exercises.
-Next time, to make sorting easier, the class could be divided into two different subject areas
-It was sometimes exhausting to watch everything, but I don't think that can be avoided
-Discussing the order in which the films are shown to us so that we can concentrate better
-Long discussion at the end
How did you like the selection of films?
-Some were difficult to understand, but most were good.
-I thought it was very good, especially that there were films from many different countries and genres.
-Very good. Next time, a few bad films would also be quite fun for a change.
-Very good, but I would have liked a thrilling film or a romantic one.
-I think each film had its own way of being good.
-I would have liked to see other genres.
Did you feel like any important topics were missing?
-Action
-I didn't feel that way
-Romantic movies, falling in love for the first time
-Sexism
-Maybe something general about climate change or current politics
-Anti-Semitism
-Maybe more anime/fighting
-Peace, education
Which film did you find particularly appealing and why?
-Gyopo, because of my own experience.
-Onkraj Obraza from Slovenia/Croatia, because it was a very beautiful and creative idea that made you think and was beautifully animated, especially with the masks.
-Holy Curse appealed to me in particular. I find the topic interesting and important, and it should be discussed more. The film also shows that being trans is not as “easy” everywhere as it is in Germany.
-Somewhere To Be reflected discrimination well.
-Bike Film – was random – my sense of humor.
-Ananasi: funny, I think it's great.
-I really liked the mask film because I think that even though you couldn't see almost anyone's face, you could still recognize their facial expressions and understand everything even though they weren't talking.
-The Little Rebels Cinema Club, because it showed that you can become anything, no matter how old you are.
Are you satisfied with your short film program?
-Yes, very satisfied, actually.
-It's okay, of course it's not perfect because it's difficult to decide in such a large group.
-Yes. I think it's a bit of a shame that Holy Curse isn't included.
-YES.
-Kind of, life isn’t a walk in the park, I guess
Here's space for anything else you'd like to tell us:
-You leave the workshop a changed person.
-You were all so lovely <3.
-Totally cute :)
-You guys have a cool style
-I really enjoyed the workshop and the staff were very nice. Thank you!!!
-I thought everything was great. I also felt heard.
-Thank you very much for coming. I had a lot of fun.
-You guys were funny
-I would like to thank you for your efforts.