CINEBALK: Capturing the Balkans’ Cinematic Heritage through Digital Storytelling

CINEBALK was a project funded by the Western Balkans Fund (WBF) and implemented by the Youth Rights & Citizenship Initiative (YRCI Albania) in partnership with SFERA International (North Macedonia), ADP-Zid (Montenegro), SINI-RHO Hub (Serbia), Foundation of Entrepreneurs (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Institute Academia INFINIT (Kosovo).

The project sought to strengthen regional cooperation and preserve the Balkans’ shared cinematic heritage through the power of youth-led digital storytelling. Between June and July 2025, over thirty young people from six Western Balkan countries took part in intensive online training and mentorship sessions led by Digispark and Switch Technologies, gaining hands-on experience in filmmaking, editing, and creative storytelling.

As a result, 10 short films were produced, each reflecting the cultural values, emotions, and stories that connect the region. The films were presented during the Regional Film Festival in Elbasan (19–21 September 2025), which gathered more than 200 participants and reached an online audience of over 25,000 viewers through social media.

All films are available on YouTube, continuing to inspire educators, cultural professionals, and young creators. Beyond their artistic value, these works represent a bridge between generations and nations — turning shared cinematic memory into a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

Beyond their artistic value, these works stand as a vibrant testament to how film can bridge borders, celebrate diversity, and connect the region through shared creativity.

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