Intergenerational Coexistence & Health Promotion under the framework of Cinema and Health Programme
About this good practice
The Cinema and Health Programme was started in 2001 by the General Directorate of Public Health and the Department of Education of Aragon. It aims to promote health (eg. life skills, healthy lifestyles, emotional well-being amongst others) through cinema among adolescents. It supports Secondary School teachers and focuses on three main areas:
1. Using cinema in the classroom.
2. Conducting training activities and exchanging experiences.
3. Creating audio-visual messages on health issues.
The annual Film and Health Competition, established in 2001, motivates educational centres to create audio-visual projects with students' and teachers' collaboration. It also includes the ‘Assets for Health’ category, allowing participation from entities outside the educational sector, such as the Aragonese Network of Health Promotion Projects, health professionals, and social-health or university professionals, who produce short films on health promotion best practices.
The short films have consistently highlighted community stories, issues, and needs. The ‘Intergenerational Coexistence’ award was created to recognize films that foster coexistence, healthy aging, and fight ageism and loneliness. This contest showcases effective health promotion practices in Aragón, emphasizing the positive effects of intergenerational connections and the essential roles of all generations in society no matter where one lives.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
Material & human resources necessary to carry out the Cinema & Health programme are managed with a budget assigned to the Department of Health - Government of Aragon. Annual contract: 37,028.42€ using human resources from department. Dep. Education, and others participate actively in the committee.
Evidence of success
The Cinema & Health Programme has earned high regard over its 22-year history. In 2023-2024; 65 secondary education centres participated, w/521 teachers & 12,891 teenagers. Results: 81% teachers found the material useful for health education, 80.9% felt it engaged students, & 85.3% were satisfied with the programme.
In 2024; 86 short films & spots were submitted, 62 featured online & 23 finalists. YouTube channel (http://bit.ly/3AGj1Tc) received 1,016,941 views, and website had 636,854 views.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Cinema and Health programme effectively addresses various health topics, enhances emotional understanding, develops personal skills, and encourages reflection on daily life. In 2024, the special “Intergenerational Coexistence” award was given to the short film “Intergenerational Coexistence at Mas de las Matas,” which highlights collaboration among local health and social services to support the elderly.
The programme has gained international recognition, being featured at the 20th World Conference of the IUHPE in 2010 and honoured at the Zaragoza International Youth Film Festival in 2016. In 2024, it received the National MICE Award for its contributions to health education and media literacy. https://micefestival.com/.
Guides for teachers, teens; videos & diverse material categorised by topic (incl. intergenerational coexistence) is transferible to other regions (https://www.aragon.es/-/cine-y-salud-3). It is framed under the Aragón Health Plan 2030 (http://plansaludaragon.es/).