Together, we bring the magic world of film to children in hospitals

The second edition of CineO’ – Film Festival in Hospital has concluded with touching and empowering ceremonies in both Croatia and Italy, proving once again that cinema can be a bridge between young people—even in the most challenging situations.

Held within pediatric hospitals, revalidation centres, and hospital schools, CineO’ enables children and youth to participate as active jurors in choosing the best European short films. Through online platforms children watched the films online and in person, then voted, debated, and celebrated together across borders.

🇭🇷 Croatian Ceremony – Zagreb, KBC Sestre milosrdnice

In Zagreb, the CineO’ team, led by Djeca susreću umjetnost, celebrated alongside children, parents, and hospital school staff.
🏆 Children’s Jury Award: “Koralji” (Italy)
🏆 Teachers’ Jury Award: “Ljeto iz svemira” (FKVK Zaprešić, Croatia)

Simona Sermazi received the award on behalf of the Croatian team and shared how the film was inspired by a summer without seaside trips—turning absence into creativity. Special thanks to Hrvatski filmski savez and the dedicated medical and educational teams.

🇮🇹 Italian Ceremony – Bari, Cinema Galleria, May 21

A joyful gathering took place at Cinema Galleria in Bari, where hospitalised children from local schools gathered for a special screening and debate program hosted by Rosa Ferro and teacher Angiola Piovani, supported by regional authorities and cultural educators.

🏆 Children’s Jury Award: “Coralli” (Italy)
🏆 Teachers’ Jury Award: “Coralli” (Italy)
🏆 Parents’ Jury Award:“Ljeto iz svemira” (FKVK Zaprešić, Croatia)

Dr. Ludovico Abbaticchio, Regional Guarantor for Children’s Rights, offered closing remarks highlighting the value of cultural participation for hospitalised youth.

CineO’ is more than a festival—it’s a platform of inclusion, creativity and empathy. Through carefully curated films, cross-cultural dialogue, and active engagement, we reaffirm that every child has the right to access and create culture, no matter their circumstances.

🌈 Thank you to all our partners in Italy and Croatia who make CineO’ possible.
#FilmInHospital #CineO #KidsMeetArt #InclusiveCinema #ChildrenHaveAVoice

After an uncertain competition, watching great films, discussions and voting, juries from Croatia and Italy have decided on the best. And this week they will announce their decisions to everyone. 🤩

We are eagerly awaiting the award ceremony:
🏅21.5., announcement of the winners of the Italian juries @ Cinema Galleria, Bari
🏅22.5., announcement of the winners of the Croatian juries @ KBC Sestre milosrdnice

CineO’ is a unique film festival in Europe that takes place within a hospital environment, in which hospitalized children and young people not only watch carefully selected films via the online platform filmubolnici.org and live in hospitals, but also participate as active members of the jury – together with parents, teachers and hospital staff. This innovative practice gives children and young people in vulnerable situations an equal voice in the creation of cultural content.

For those who haven’t had the chance to watch the films, don’t worry — the films are part of the Film in Hospital platform and are available to all hospitalized children and young people.

See you on the platforms! 🪄