The Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre, through the programmes Cinematherapy by EKKOMED and the CIFEJ – International Centre for Films for Children and Young People, has been implementing, since November 2025, a meaningful collaboration with the supported accommodation facility for unaccompanied minors of The HOME Project. Following the successful pilot phase, the initiative will continue until May 2026.

The programme takes place in two shelters of The HOME Project in Attica—one for boys and one for girls—and focuses on the power of cinema as a tool for expression, empowerment, and emotional processing.

Objective and philosophy of the initiative

The initiative harnesses the therapeutic and educational dimensions of cinema, offering children and adolescents a safe space where they can:

• express emotions and experiences,
• develop communication and collaboration skills,
• strengthen self-esteem and a sense of belonging,
• process personal and collective narratives through image and storytelling.

The programme operates both as an artistic workshop and as a framework for psychosocial support, tailored to the needs of children and adolescents with refugee backgrounds.

Following the successful completion of the pilot phase and the positive response from participants, the workshop continues, confirming the importance and sustainability of the initiative.

The programme is implemented by the Education and Heritage Unit of the General Directorate of Cinema of the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre.

Coordination & scientific supervision

Cinematherapy by EKKOMED: Denis Nikolakou

CIFEJ – International Centre for Films for Children and Young People: Katerina Virvidaki

The collaboration between the two programmes ensures a holistic approach that combines film education with psychosocial care. The initiative forms part of the outward-looking strategy of the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre’s film and audiovisual sector and highlights cinema as a means of social cohesion and inclusion, reaffirming that culture can act as a bridge for communication, understanding, and hope.

Information: educate@ekkomed.gr, cinematherapy@ekkomed.gr, cifej@ekkomed.gr