Primary Schools: Grades VIII
Secondary Schools: Grades I-IV

We invite you to a workshop inspired by the film “Ninnoc” directed by Niki Padidar. During the workshop, we will explore fundamental questions relevant to every individual: the impact of social pressure, the need for acceptance, and the courage to be oneself, even at the risk of exclusion. We will reflect on the universal themes of the film and search for metaphors to address these topics. Following this exploration of metaphor, we will collaboratively craft stories. This will take the form of a moderated storytelling session based on Joseph Campbell’s concept of narrative creation. The ultimate goal is to derive insights from our stories about the nature of conformity and authenticity.

Ninnoc | dir. Niki Padidar | Netherlands, 2015 | 19 min. | Film with Polish voiceover

Ninnoc is a teenager with extraordinary sensitivity who faces a dilemma familiar to us all: should she conform to her peers or stay true to herself? She doesn’t want to yield to societal pressure but fears being excluded. She loves singing and dancing because art allows her to express herself. However, as Ninnoc herself admits, we only see what she chooses to show us.

Topics covered in the film: Loneliness, adolescence, acceptance, individuality, and social pressure

Dr. Maciej Dowgiel – a film scholar, media expert, and e-learning specialist. He is a certified trainer of Facebook’s digital skills program and media education, as well as a teacher and lecturer. Dr. Dowgiel is a trainer in film education, media studies, and remote learning methodologies. He is an expert in digital and cultural competencies and the author of hundreds of analyses, studies, lesson plans, and educational texts on film and media education. He has also conducted numerous in-person and online training sessions on new media, digital tools, culture, and art for various age groups.