Actions speak louder than words

Cinema

  • Through different kind of means (documentaries, music, festivals, conferences etc.) we want to promote a shift in current narratives and advocate for a systemic change that prioritizes human and planetary well-being, moving away from perceiving them as externalities.

  • 1. Challenges like climate change and pandemics are interconnected, requiring a holistic approach that acknowledges the interdependence between humans and the planet.

    2. Prioritizing well-being leads to long-term planning, sustainable practices, and respect for ecological limits, promoting a future that balances social, economic, and environmental aspects.

    3. Recognizing the interdependence allows us to build resilience, anticipate disruptions, and adapt to ongoing and future challenges effectively.

    4. The current narrative perpetuates inequalities, but a systemic approach ensures fairness, inclusive decision-making, and equitable sharing of benefits and costs.

  • Collective action and collaboration across disciplines and sectors is essential for addressing complex challenges, and a narrative emphasizing interconnectedness fosters collaboration, innovation, and resource sharing.

Youth4Impact Stories

Youth 4 Impact Stories is a cutting-edge masterclass program empowering young changemakers and emerging filmmakers to create powerful short films. Trained by industry professionals and supported by the Locarno Film Festival “Education” program, participants gain exclusive access to global film networks and platforms.

The result: high-quality, emotionally compelling short films that drive real action toward sustainable solutions and contribute to achieving Net Zero and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Initiated by Fondation2291, in partnership with Locarno Film Festival “Education”, Wyss Academy for Nature, EthnoKino, Blue Arbor Foundation, and Stories.ch.

  • Youth 4 Impact Stories equips 25 young entrepreneurs and creatives (ages 14–30) with essential skills to design and communicate innovative, sustainable solutions. Through personalized mentoring and targeted masterclasses, participants become agents of systemic change—transforming their ideas into scalable actions that address climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality.

  • Participants produce compelling short films that explore critical themes like human-environment relationships, entrepreneurship, democracy, and cultural resilience. These films not only reflect youth perspectives but also act as powerful tools to shift public narratives, inspire decision-makers, and promote sustainable practices. Screenings at renowned events like the Locarno Film Festival amplify their reach and impact.

  • The program fosters cross-sector collaboration between youth, filmmakers, industry experts, and investors. Events like the Impact Design MasterClass and Film Screening Night spark partnerships and open pathways to scale projects beyond the program. Through the Circular Mentoring model, participants gain lifelong skills and contribute to a thriving, intergenerational changemaker network—laying the groundwork for future academic collaborations and a dedicated CAS program.
Colorful geometric shapes forming the word "2291 FESTIVAL" vertically, the logo of our current partnership with Fondation 2291.

2291 Short Film Festival

For the second year in a row, the 2291 Foundation, with the support of the Blue Arbor Foundation, is hosting a short film competition as part of the Youth4Impact initiative during the Locarno Film Festival. This year’s event will take place on August 10, 2025, at the Teatro Paravento.

Driven by the spirit of ImagiNation 2291, the competition invites young talents and creative thinkers and doers — from Switzerland and around the world — to share their visions through moving images. It’s an open, inspiring platform to explore bold ideas and engage in a refreshing dialogue about the future.