Ana and Tim spent a fantastic 5 days in Graz filming for the Touch
documentary from 27 June - 1 July. The documentary is following the research
of academics from Newman University as they investigate the issue of street
violence for young people across Europe, and the role that street-based
youth workers can play in helping to reduce violence. Graz is one of 4
European case studies (the others being Bradford and Islington in the UK,
and Cologne in Germany) for the research.
The Chocolate Films crew followed Mike and Richard from Newman as they met
the youth workers from Caritas Jugenstreetwork and learnt about the work
they do through practitioners workshops led by Mike and heading out with the
youth workers on their street-based outreach. Richard, the Peer Researcher
for this strand of the project, ran music workshops with some of the young
people, as a chance to get to know them and to begin discussing the themes
of the project. The week's activities culminated in an outdoor festival
bringing youth culture to high culture - Caritas Jugenstreetwork brought
their sofas to the front of Graz opera house, and the city's young people
enjoyed an afternoon hanging out and watching breaking, graffiti and
rapping.
Alongside documentary filmmaking, Tim and Ana ran workshops for the young
people to make their own films exploring what Graz is like for young people
and their opinions on street violence.
The crew were lucky to have beautiful sunny weather all week, and were
amazed at how picturesque the city is. They enjoyed the warm Austrian
welcome of Helmut and his team, and are looking forward to returning again
in September.
Take a look at some of the photos from the trip.
Next stop, Cologne in Germany!
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