According to the WHO, 20–25% of young people struggle with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, or behavioral disorders. The pandemic only worsened the situation, increasing aggression and attention disorders. Furthermore, those affected often become isolated because stigmatization makes it difficult to ask for and receive help.
Freeszfe therefore began a creative process with youth in Ferencváros, using artistic tools to express themselves and break down taboos related to mental health. In the "Szabad Szellem" (Free Spirit) workshops, they created short films on mental health topics, allowing participants to share experiences and create a supportive peer environment. As one participant said:
"They showed us what filmmaking means and how many types there are. But besides that, we talked to each other about serious, intimate topics regarding mental health. That was perhaps my favorite part."
The greatest experience for the youth was the collective work and discussions: "the fact that we could create something together from these thoughts afterwards was just the bonus. For me, these five brief sessions were very defining."
The completed works were finally presented to a full house in the CEU auditorium, followed by a discussion involving the creators, peers, parents, and professionals. The films were sent to youth organizations and are available online, as they aim to raise awareness of the importance of youth mental health and use these works as starting points for dialogue in other communities.
The creative process, the films, and the related events reflect a complex approach that other communities, institutions, and teachers can use in their sensitivity work. A methodological manual was also created for professionals, providing a step-by-step guide on how to use the films to talk to youth about their anxieties and problems.
The shorts are available here:
The Freeszfe Association works for the right of young people to free education and art. Its mission is to provide space for free thinking, creative self-expression, and independent artistic initiatives. The association was established in 2021 when the students and teachers of the University of Theatre and Film Arts founded a new, free community in protest against the university model change. Their goal was for students to continue studying in a place where art and knowledge could soar freely. Since then, Freeszfe has operated as an adult education institution, and its programs range from theater to film, and from community arts to social sensitization. Workshops, training courses, and open artistic calls help young creators to experiment freely, develop, and find their voice. The organization counts more than 300 members and is a member of several international networks, including the Moleskine Foundation and the Konnektor Incubator House.
