Docu-Narrative
Seen and Heard Docu-Narrative pulls back the curtain on interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral EU initiative where human rights, art, education, and activism converge. This docu-narrative follows a collective of academics, artists, and educators as they co-create the full life cycle of a social movement grounded in one powerful principle: the human right to freedom of expression.
Each episode below shares an inside view of the opportunities and challenges at the heart of co-creating change with young people. Whether through literary workshops, classroom transformations, or film protest pieces, the Seen and Heard Docu-Narrative doesn’t just document a project—it amplifies a movement, where being truly seen and heard is both a right and a revolutionary act.
docu-narrative episodes
To view each Docu-narrative in full-screen format, please click letter V in the bottom right of each video.
What is seen and heard?
The curtain is pulled back on the passionate minds behind this EU-funded project. The core team, comprising academics, artists, and advocates, is introduced in this opening episode.
Freedom of expression in post-migrant schools
Freedom of expression is placed at the heart of the most structured institution in a child’s life—school. Through collaborations with three participating schools, the integration of Seen and Heard into the school system is documented.
Children’s Human Rights Education
Human rights are introduced through creative activities, empathy, and group learning. Storytelling and collaborative projects are used to help children recognise the real-life implications of rights for themselves and others.
A Chorus of Children’s Voices
A spotlight is turned on a book in progress, crafted not only for children but with them. The collaborative journey of this publishing project, where artistic vision aligns with moral conviction, is explored.
Activist Care and Responsibility
A quieter, more intentional form of resistance is examined—one rooted in compassion, self-awareness, and creative expression. Children are invited to discover their unique gifts and consider how these strengths may be used as instruments for change.
Co-creating Protest with Young People
The role of young people as powerful agents of change is highlighted. Art is transformed into activism when children’s voices are not only included but placed at the centre. Through literature, film, and art, protest works are crafted from the issues that matter most to them.
Empowering Children Through Art
Mentorship is provided to help young voices move from imagination to expression. Artists—filmmakers, writers, poets, gallerists, and performers—are engaged in co-creating works rooted in activism, curiosity, and play.
Books, Community and Care
A space for conversations about visibility in academia, storytelling, and shared communities is created. Young people’s voices and experiences are centred through research, pedagogy, and creative practice. Intergenerational dialogue and collaboration contribute to a form of scholarship founded on empathy, accountability, and communal care.
A Value-Based Social Movement
The project’s foundation—shared values that transcend age, roles, and disciplines—is examined. What began with young people at its core gradually expanded to influence educators, researchers, artists, and community members.
Intergenerational Justice and Safe Space
Reflections are shared by the team who shaped Seen and Heard. Childhood experiences are revisited, and questions are raised about when—and whether—true visibility and voice were ever felt.
Watch this space to keep up to date with our docu-narrative programme as each is released in the coming months.
Credits
Each Docu-narrative would not have been possible without the teamwork of all involved.
Malta
Dr Giuliana Fenech, Principal Investigator, University of Malta, Malta
Marie Ann Ciantar, Deputy Head of School, St Clare College Secondary School, Pembroke, Malta
Sandy Calleja Portelli, Research Support Officer, University of Malta, Malta
Charlie Cauchi, Interdisciplinary Artist, Filmmaker, Project Mentor, Malta
Giuliana Barbaro Sant, Research Support Officer, University of Malta, Malta
Amy Calleja, Student Assistant, Malta
Ruby Peresso, Student Assistant, Malta
Dr Carmen Mangion, Deputy Registrar, University of Malta, Malta.
Germany
Dr Farriba Schulz, Lead Investigator, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
Philipp Lorenz, Head of School, Wedding-Schule, Berlin, Germany
Anna-Sophia Fritsche, Co-Head Theatre Education, GRIPS Theatre, Project Mentor, Berlin, Germany
Fabian Schrader, Stuhlkreis_Revolte, Project Mentor, Berlin, Germany
Uli Decker, Filmmaker, Project Mentor, Berlin, Germany
Tanasgol Sabbagh, Poet, Performer, Project Mentor, Berlin, Germany
Angelika Maier, Teacher, Wedding-Schule, Berlin, Germany
Amalia Esch, Intern, Berlin, Germany
Laura Kirschtein, Student Assistant, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
Claudia Ehgartner, Curator for Education, Hamburger Bahnhof–Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, Project Mentor, Berlin, Germany
Anwar Al Atrash, Visual Artist, Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, Project Mentor, Berlin, Germany
Poland
Dr Justyna Deszcz-Tryhubczak, Lead Investigator, University of Wroclaw, Poland
Katarzyna Zwierzyńska-Paluszek, Head of School, Primary School No. 1, Wroclaw, Poland
Natalia Jerzak, Artist, Project Mentor, Wroclaw, Poland
Julia Solomentseva, Teacher, Project Mentor, Primary School No. 1, Wroclaw, Poland
Oleksandr Solomentsev, Project Mentor, Wroclaw, Poland
Martyna Stec, Psycho-social Support, Wroclaw, Poland
Amnesty International Poland
Nicky Parker, Lead Consultant, Amnesty International Poland
Katarzyna Salejko, Head of Human Rights Education, Amnesty International Poland
Magdalena Kozłowska, Project Coordinator and Educator, Amnesty International Poland
Justyna Kuzar-Dembele, Educator, Amnesty International Poland
Sita Brahmachari, Author, Project Mentor, Amnesty International
Chris Riddell, Illustrator, Project Mentor, Amnesty International
Docu-narrative and additional images
Docu-Narrative:
Andres Felipe Algeciras Marquez, Camera Operator, Editor
Additional Images:
Steve Bainbridge for the National Literacy Trust
Special Thanks
Ed Dingli, Artist, Project Art Director
Dr Petra Anders, Project Advisor, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
Dr Mateusz Świetlicki, University of Wroclaw, Poland
The Library of the Institute of English Studies, University of Wroclaw, Poland
Department of English, University of Malta, Malta
