🎬 CineO’ 2025 – A Cross-Border Film Festival Connecting Hospitalised Children Through Cinema
The second edition of CineO’ – Film Festival in Hospital has concluded with touching and empowering ceremonies in both Croatia and Italy, proving once again that cinema can be a bridge between young people—even in the most challenging situations.
Held within pediatric hospitals, revalidation centres, and hospital schools, CineO’ enables children and youth to participate as active jurors in choosing the best European short films. Through online platforms children watched the films online and in person, then voted, debated, and celebrated together across borders.
Croatian Ceremony – Zagreb, KBC Sestre milosrdnice
In Zagreb, the CineO’ team, led by Djeca susreću umjetnost, celebrated alongside children, parents, and hospital school staff.
Children’s Jury Award: “Koralji” (Italy)
Teachers’ Jury Award: “Ljeto iz svemira” (FKVK Zaprešić, Croatia)
Simona Sermazi received the award on behalf of the Croatian team and shared how the film was inspired by a summer without seaside trips—turning absence into creativity. Special thanks to Hrvatski filmski savez and the dedicated medical and educational teams.
Italian Ceremony – Bari, Cinema Galleria, May 21
A joyful gathering took place at Cinema Galleria in Bari, where hospitalised children from local schools gathered for a special screening and debate program hosted by Rosa Ferro and teacher Angiola Piovani, supported by regional authorities and cultural educators.
Children’s Jury Award: “Coralli” (Italy)
Teachers’ Jury Award: “Coralli” (Italy)
Parents’ Jury Award:“Ljeto iz svemira” (FKVK Zaprešić, Croatia)
CineO’ is more than a festival—it’s a platform of inclusion, creativity and empathy. Through carefully curated films, cross-cultural dialogue, and active engagement, we reaffirm that every child has the right to access and create culture, no matter their circumstances.
Thank you to all our partners in Italy and Croatia who make CineO’ possible.
#FilmInHospital #CineO #KidsMeetArt #InclusiveCinema #ChildrenHaveAVoice
