At a time when the values of justice, freedom, and democracy are tested daily, Lights on Justice serves as a reminder that these principles are never to be taken for granted – they must be understood, defended, and nurtured. Through a carefully curated selection of European short films, including animation, live action, and documentaries, young audiences encounter stories that place democracy, human rights, and social responsibility at their core.
The films illuminate, in different ways, the strength and fragility of the values that sustain a just society: the need for respect and equality, the acceptance of diversity, the courage to stand against injustice and abuse of power, and the importance of honesty, truth, and dialogue. Through conflict and reconciliation, acts of bravery and moments of tenderness, these stories remind us that justice is not an abstract ideal but a way of life – one that begins at school, in our neighborhoods, in our families, and in the way we see and treat others.
LIGHTS ON JUSTICE invites children and young people to reflect on what it means to be fair, free, and responsible citizens, and to discover through cinema the joy of taking part in a world that is more open, more just, and more humane.
Program for Primary
Screening day: Monday, December 1st
Time: 09:00 a.m.
Screening room: Orpheus
Loose / Loose / Klimanje
Paula Skelin, Croatia, 19′, 2021
Unaware that she and her mother are facing eviction, a six year-old girl will find a way to deal with her loose tooth and their living situation in one move.
Sing / Mindenki
Kristóf Deák, Hungary, 25΄, 2015
Zsófi is struggling to adjust to her new school. Joining its famous choir is her only comfort. However, the choir director may not be the inspiring teacher everyone believes she is. Zsófi and her new friend Lisa will have to teach their teacher a lesson.
Capybaras / Caprinchos
Alfredo Soderguit, France-Uruguay-Chile, 10’, 2024
A family of capybaras tries to escape from hunters and finds shelter in a chicken coop. The hens drive them away, fearing what is different. But the chicks dare to form an alliance that changes everything.
The Kicksled Choir / Sparkekoret
Torfinn Iversen, Norway, 18’, 2020
Ten-year-old Gabriel loves singing, and his dream is to join his village choir, which supports refugees. However, a heated conflict between his father and one of the refugees living in the village becomes a major obstacle in the boy’s attempt to become a member of the Kicksled Choir.
The landing / Maihinnousu
Kaisa Penttilä, Finland, 10’, 2021
A family holiday in a zoo is interrupted when an unknown species tries to enter the zone.
Program for Middle Schools – High Schools
Screening day: Monday, December 1st
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Screening room: Orpheus
Weeds / Plevel
Pola Kazak, Czech Republic, 14′, 2024
A gardener tends to a small garden in a field overrun with weeds. What begins as an innocent encounter transforms into a fight for survival and an attempt to preserve the existing world at any cost.
2nd class / 2.A KLASS
Jimmy Olsson, Sweden, 13’, 2018
Charlotte has got a new job as a second grade teacher. One night she is attacked by a nazi and is severely injured. When she comes back to her students she discovers that one of her students is the son of that nazi.
Pig / Varken
Jorn Leeuwerink, Netherlands, 8’, 2022
A group of animals connects an electrical grid to the snout of a large, sleeping pig. At first the animals use the pig’s energy for simple things, but soon they become dependent on a town where everything — the useful and the useless — is automated... How long can this last?
I, Julia / Jag, Julia
Arvin Kananian, Sweden, 14’, 2020
Julia is a 14 year old girl, living what seems to be an idyllic life. But there is a darkness growing inside. Her father controls the family with physical and mental abuse. A story about every day struggle and resilience, told from a young girls perspective.
Louis I., King of the Sheep / Louis Ier Roi des Moutons
Markus Wulf, Germany, 9′, 2022
One windy day, Louis the sheep finds a paper crown and thereby becomes Louis I. King of the Sheep. He addresses his people, tames nature, initiates festivities, separates the sheep by color and decides who gets to do what. Things go their royal ways. At least until the next gust of wind.
Honestly / Ik zeg je eerlijk
Eva Nijsten, Netherlands, 24′, 2024
Peter van Maaren, a homosexual teacher who converted to Islam, leads workshops on sexual and religious diversity for students. Using humor and relatable language, he tackles sensitive topics like crushes, gender roles, and religion's influence. The film emphasizes the importance of open, honest conversations about taboo subjects.
English 
Greek