Awards and Juries of the Ennesima Youth Selection

Ennesimo Academy is the result of a journey that has taken shape over time, starting with Non è l’Ennesima Giornata di Scuola (Not Just Another Day at School), the very first educational project we brought into the classroom. The initial idea was clear: to intervene in the daily school routine and transform it into a unique, extraordinary experience, perfectly in line with the spirit of a Festival born to be “un festival in più” (one more festival). Over the years, this appointment has gained increasing value, becoming an eagerly awaited event built with great care alongside the schools.

The work with students is not limited to a single moment but unfolds through a structured educational path that grows in complexity as the students' skills consolidate. Academy educators support the classes with practical activities, ranging from play to open debate, guiding students toward the development of critical thinking. In this way, the in-depth analysis of an audiovisual product becomes a powerful educational tool—a means to discover the world and enrich the gaze used to explore it. This is further proven by the testimonials of teachers, who recount how every student, in their own way, manages to find their place and participate with enthusiasm. Indeed, the students are the true protagonists of this project. After attending the morning screenings of the Selezione Giovani (Youth Selection), the students who participated in the Academy’s film criticism course will cast their votes via a ballot. Thanks to a curriculum focused on film professions and the importance of collaboration both on and off the set—recognizing that a film is, by nature, a collective work—their input will be essential in awarding two honors: the Premio Giovani and the Ennesimo Comix Award.

Alongside this experience, the project also features a film criticism competition. After choosing one of the selected films, students write a critical review using the tools acquired during their classroom work with Academy educators. The most significant contributions will be awarded during the Festival’s closing ceremony, celebrating the insight and dedication of these young critics.

The Ennesimo Academy students' journey reaches its most anticipated moment. After a school year spent with our educators learning the art of film criticism and discovering the most "hidden" professions in cinema, these young students are ready for a new perspective. After screening the short film selection tailored for them, they are now stepping into their roles as jurors to award the prestigious Youth Award.

What happens when Comix’s irony meets Ennesimo’s big screen? The Comix Award is born—a recognition dedicated to short films that dare to push boundaries. In an era of "disposable" content, we celebrate the ability to create original, fresh, and out-of-the-box stories. The winner is decided by the most demanding jury of all: Ennesimo’s young jurors, ready to pick the film that best captures the creative and irreverent spirit that brings us together.