The Critical Connections Project (2025-26) builds on the work of Critical Connections for over a decade but now focuses on the global dimension. This filmmaking, artwork and multilingual poetry project develops and celebrates the languages and cultures of children and young people in our schools and universities. Teachers on this project are supported through professional development and filmmaking, storytelling, and multilingual poetry workshops and are given the opportunity to share their progress and connect with teachers globally. The project involves children and young people across different ages (3 – 19 years old) and language backgrounds across fourteen countries. The short collaborative 3–5-minute films, stories and poetry will be produced bi- and multi- lingually (usually with subtitles in English). The project is open to new filmmakers and those with experience.
The Critical Connections Festival 2026 explores the theme of a quest or journey. There will be a celebratory screening of the films and certificates will be awarded for the best films in different categories, and for completing the project. There will be a celebration of artwork and multilingual poetry as part of the Critical Connections Festival 2026.
If you would like any further information about this project, please contact one of the project directors:
Professor Vicky Macleroy
Assistant Professor Yu-Chiao Chung
Associate Professor Judith Rifeser
MDST Main Site 