The European Stories storytelling call, created through Memories Across Europe (an Erasmus Plus project dedicated to adults) has ended!
Voting involving five different countries and six organizations is ongoing these days, and several juries are selecting the stories that best meet the theme of the contest.
The winning stories will be selected on June 12!
In the meantime, we invite you to learn about the stories so far involved in the selection processes.
European stories from Italy
These stories, from Italy, were selected by the project’s partner organizations, the National Diary Archive and Storie di Mondi Possibili.
1)“I miei primi due mesi in Italia (e in Europa) ” by Farah Khalilbiek
Motivation:
The story is really effective, both for the words of the story and thanks to the authentic images that the author herself has created in her own hand.
We can therefore see a narration of himself in its entirety, starting precisely from a very delicate moment such as migration and arrival in a foreign and unknown land can be.
A very important issue for Europe.
The narration immediately communicates the emotions experienced by the protagonist and highlights her willingness to be part of a new reality, not forgetting her own experience.
A magnificent story in the way it is told and in the message it holds.
Watch the full video here: https://shorturl.at/klpJU
2) “Festival d’Europa a Firenze” by Sveva Linarello, Giovanni Panza, Luciano Franceschi, Fabio Tiso, Nicoletta Turato, Vittoria Franceschi
Motivation:
The beauty in this story lies in the change of opinion leads to a new conception of the “enemy”, of the “other”, managing to give us a great lesson in memory, growth and Europe.
The journey as a summary of our history, as a re-construction of oneself, as a re-opening to the human.
Watch the full video here: https://www.storyap.eu/it/festival-deuropa-firenze/
3) “14-18 – I luoghi della grande guerra 100 anni dopo” by Ilenia Piccioni e Antonio Tiso
Motivation:
A strong photo story that draws inspiration from our imagination of the great war and describes it with a sequence of strong and evocative images.
The places of the great war 1915-18.
Photography to illustrate a shared memory of all of us Europeans.
The language of images that in a non-trivial way makes that memory current again.
The images bring us back to a historical event at the base of our roots as Europeans, showing us once again how starting from the mistakes already made in the past we just have to learn.
Watch the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/14-18-i-luoghi-della-grande-guerra-100-anni-dopo/
4) “Pomodori in tempi di guerra” by Elisabetta Abbondanza
Motivation:
An intimate story, a story of memory that gracefully shows how even in the darkest moments it is not prejudice that dominates, but mutual help.
A small story, which under the guise of tomatoes describes a situation in which mutual aid was the basis of relationships and nationality or religious beliefs were not taken into account.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/pomodori-in-tempo-di-guerra/
5) “E io ancora ci rosico!” by Andrea Mercanti
Motivation:
A story that simply and completely describes a phenomenon that is taking hold in every part of the world, which takes into account both environmental and socialization problems.
A lively and complete story on how political commitment abandons great ideologies, is articulated in new socializations within our communities and in a relationship with nature that includes it in the urban perimeters from which it had been removed.
Resistance can be done in many ways, in many times and in many places. in this story we can find an urban and contemporary resistance that has so much to give and so much to teach.
Watch the full video here: https://shorturl.at/bxELO
European stories from France
These stories, from France, were selected by the E-Seniors organization.
1)“You will learn German, my daughter… Nie wieder Krieg!” by Régine Florin
Motivation:
The author of this story immerses us in one of her particularly beautiful family memories.
She tells a story about her family, and more specifically about her father.
The son of an Italian, naturalised French, who was made prisoner, during World War II, in a Hitlerite German stalag.
From this difficult experience in a time of war was born a source of hope, one on which today’s Europe is built.
While a prisoner, the author’s father found himself working on a farm in Austria, where he forged a lifelong friendship with the local family.
This friendship, He kept it going throughout his life, exchanging letters with the family.
And from his experience in Austria, he learnt German, a language that he passed on to his children, hoping that they would not grow up hating Germans-Austrians but in a spirit of reconciliation.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/you-will-learn-german-my-daughter-nie-wieder-krieg/
2)“My discovery of Europe after 1989” by Véronique Gazin
Motivation:
In this story, the author takes us on a tour of Europe, but more than just a tourist tale, it is an introspection of European history, the shifting of its borders and its peoples. Set at a key moment in European history, the fall of the Iron Curtain, the story recounts, through the narrator, the encounter between these two Europes, separated for more than 50 years by the vagaries of history. Through his eyes, we discover the richness and diversity of the culture of European countries, and the discussions with the locals highlight the profound differences but also the desire to get to know each other and exchange ideas.
In the course of the story, the author asks questions that are still relevant today, such as what are Europe’s borders?
The author sees the fall of the Wall as the resumption of European history, interrupted by the Cold War, and threatened by the war in Ukraine.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/my-discovery-of-europe-after-1989/
3)“Let us preserve our Europe, for ourselves and our generation” by Marie-Joëlle Poulain
Motivation:
Unlike many delivered stories, this one focuses not on the past but on the future. This photonarrative addresses one of the greatest challenges facing Europe (and indeed the whole world): the ecological challenge.
Separated by two colours: yellow and orange, each contains one half of the message, which cannot be understood without the other: Let’s preserve our Europe.
For Us and Our Generation.
A series of photos showing some of Europe’s most beautiful natural and human heritage sites. Representative of its beauty, diversity and fragility.
The use of the “we” reminds us of the importance of unity (a fundamental European value) in preserving our environment and our planet.
Because of its originality, its message and its aesthetic sense.
This photo story received the third-highest score in the “French stories” category.
See the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/let-us-preserve-our-europe-for-ourselves-and-our-generation/
European stories from Bulgaria
These stories, from Bulgaria, were selected by the EIC (European Information Centre) organization.
1)”Unveiling hidden notions of the ‘other’ during one student brigade in Germany” by Veneta Konstantinova
Motivation:
The video is original and tackles a delicate aspect of the maturity of young girls when happened to encounter a foreign reality.
The story shows the complexity of the issue of sexual education in the Eastern Block before the Fall of Iron Curtain.
Although short, it refers to historical facts and personal experiences and is an example of how the exchange in-between countries (in this case Bulgaria and Eastern Germany) reveal hidden notions about the other.
The video gets maximum points because of the richness of the story and the emotion of the storyteller, visibly very emotionally engaged while recalling the memories.
The video story gets maximum points for relevance with the MAE award because of its content.
The story has impact nowadays as well, because is tackling a sensitive issue that is significant and still delicate for young students, parents, and school teachers.
Watch the full video here: https://www.storyap.eu/unveiling-hidden-notions-of-the-other-during-one-student-brigade-in-germany/
2)“Social Changes in Europe: Memory About Munich” by Alexander Ognianov, Borislav Ognianov
Motivation:
The video story gets maximum points for the originality of content, relevance to the topics of the competition, and impact because it reveals the discovery of the city of Munich in Germany by the son through the eyes and memories of his father who has visited for the first time.
It is very well shot and additional photos are included in the video that makes it interesting to watch.
The impact has an educational aspect, how children can learn about Europe and other places through the experience of their parents and at the same time preserve their memories for the next generations by means of technology.
Watch the full video here: https://www.storyap.eu/social-changes-in-europe-memory-about-munich/
3) “Solidarity in Europe” by Maria Ivanova
Motivation:
The video story gets maximum points for originality and interesting story, relevance to the topics of the competition, and impact because it is well shot and edited, the storytelling is recalling a special moment of her life that is connected to a historical time and events relevant for all countries in Eastern Europe.
The topic of solidarity that appears as the key message is very much needed today which is why the story gets maximum points for impact as well.
It reminds us that small gestures of ordinary people can bring hope and support not only on the local level but internationally which is a guiding value of the European Union today.
Watch the full video here: https://www.storyap.eu/solidarity-in-europe/
4) “Paris – Magic and My Love“ by Silviya Dzhipova-Docheva
Motivation:
The photo narration gets maximum points for originality, relevance with the topics of the competition, and impact.
It is very well structured, and the combination of photos and text is intertwined well.
The language is vivid and provokes strong emotions about one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe.
The historical facts are well integrated and provoke further interest in the pointed-out historical events.
It shows how historical heritage sites can be strong landmarks for the pride of all citizens living in the European Union and all mankind.
See the full story here:
https://www.storyap.eu/paris-magic-and-my-love/ (in Bulgarian)
https://www.storyap.eu/paris-magic-and-my-love-2/ (in English)
5) “Friendship” by Lorena Petrova
Motivation:
The photo narration gets maximum points for originality, relevance with the topics of the competition, and impact because it shows how random meetings can be transformed into friendships, last in time, and be transferred to the next generations.
It talks about the human connections that can withhold controversies of the time and bring the positive to the fore.
The combination of photos and text complement each other and show the richness of the cultural heritage of the two countries, and additionally how through the friendship of the main characters involved, the parts of the culture and cultural sites of the two countries is becoming familiar and dear to the other ones.
See the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/friendship/
European stories from Sweden
These stories, from Sweden, were selected by the Mexpert organization.
1) “Where Love Rules” by Areej Alamari
Motivation:
This story reminded us of what is really important and what we should all want for Europe.
We all feel all of the emotions at some point and could feel the pain we all endure from an imperfect world.
We all dream that Europe and the world that will follow these Rules.
See the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/wp-content/uploads/stories/bda42a3b919c73a2f234f510a1b9c478-MAE-AREEJ.pdf
2) “Once Upon a Time in Europe” by Jana Beaca
Motivation:
We could relate to her memories and her freedom Being a European citizen.
The Author reminds us what a privilege it is to be European.
See the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/wp-content/uploads/stories/8e1263c238766f7db31124011edf86f5-Once-Upon-a-Time-in-Europe.pdf
3) “My Europe City” by Asha Pitadeniya
Motivation:
The Author took us on a journey of what she considers her perfect city.
We were all transported through her eyes and experience of this city. We can feel her love and passion of the city.
See the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/wp-content/uploads/stories/7eaa53083d481947517fd4ec0cf272ee-Asha-Memories-Across-Europe-compressed.pdf
4) “A Journey to Find My Self” by Eugenia Inez
Motivation:
The point of this story is very common to all.
The fact that we all often at some point have the feeling of being lost and wanting to be found resonates with all.
The story was also very impactful as you felt like you were there with her.
See the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/wp-content/uploads/stories/48e1d9528ec572553efd0ec78eb1b804-YOMEM-Inez.pdf
European stories from Germany
These stories, from Germany, were selected by the Sozial Label organization.
1)“Meine Grenze, Deine Grenze” by Zeynep Aydin
Motivation:
A true story of verbal aggression on the island of Cyprus divided between Greece and Turkey.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/my-border-your-border/
2) “Cattolica und die Suche nach deutschem Bohnenkaffee” by Cornelia Brandt
Motivation:
The journey of a german mother with her children in Cattolica.
She looks desperately for german coffee and understands too late that the food in Italy tastes wonderful, which the children have already noticed.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/cattolica-und-die-suche-nach-deutschem-bohnenkaffee/
3) “Nachdenken über Frau F.” by Cornelia Brandt
Motivation:
The sensitive Portrait of an elderly, shy and active woman, who is simply helping other people.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/nachdenken-uber-frau-f/
European stories from Poland
These stories, from Poland, were selected by the STOP (Stowarzyszenie Trenerów Organizacji Pozarządowych) organization.
1) “Patchorkowa Europa (Patchork Europe)” by NatPW
Motivation:
An artistic story about Europe full of metaphors.
In her story, the author presents important places, inventions and works of European artists.
He combines various elements with his vision of Europe.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/patchworkowa-europa/
2) “Stary Pies nowe sztuczki (Old dog, new tricks)” by Robb Maciąg
Motivation:
A story showing the changing Europe seen through the eyes of a student and an adult.
A story about Europe as a common home.
About the blurring of differences between the inhabitants of individual countries.
The author in an interesting way presents his view on the changing world, on adapting to it.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/stary-pies-nowe-sztuczki/
3) “From Poland to Greece by bike” by Waja Jabłonowska
Motivation:
The story describes the author’s journey from Poland to Greece in the footsteps of her immigrant father.
Read the full story here: https://www.storyap.eu/from-poland-to-greece-by-bike/