Across all editions, we have had the privilege of connecting with some of the most brilliant and committed minds: a remarkable community of around 453 alumni from all over the world working in human rights advocacy, communication and campaigning, impact film production, documentary filmmaking (and the list is not over!). Each one of them has brought personal experiences, activism and stories of community empowerment, yet all shared a commitment: making this world more peaceful, just, and equal through strategic and responsible visual storytelling.
For this anniversary, we wanted to honour our rich and diverse community by creating a space for networking, dialogue and inspiration, one that could spark new ideas, collaborations, and hopefully new friendships. We recreated a small-scale version of the CHRA experience, giving alumni a space to learn with and from one another, openly discuss shared challenges, exchange experiences, good practices, and possible solutions.
We have therefore organised a reunion consisting of 3 online roundtables across the month of January, inviting our CHRA alumni community to co-create the sessions. Together, we identified 3 meaningful topics of conversation that would be relevant to their professional development, and they coordinated each session as moderators.
Roundtable 1: AI and Technology in Films and Human Rights
The first roundtable focused on AI and technology in films and human rights. Participants discussed in breakout rooms the impact of AI on storytelling, journalism, and advocacy, focusing on its use in newsrooms, assisted storytelling, misinformation and political influence, and regulations and responsibilities.
By sharing personal experiences and perspectives, participants recognised AI’s growing capabilities and practical benefits, such as transcription and illustration, while highlighting the risks of loss in empathy, context and potential job displacement. They emphasized the need for stronger regulations, media literacy, and global AI standards to address misinformation, transparency, and protection of minors.
Roundtable 2: Impact, Campaigning, and Media Advocacy
The second CHRA alumni roundtable focused on impact, campaigning, and media advocacy. Participants discussed how film and digital media can move people from awareness to action. Participants reflected on challenges in using online platforms for campaigns, explored tools to build audience trust and representation, and discussed differences between awareness and impact.
Outcomes of the conversations included recognition of the importance of combining online platforms with in-person engagement; combining the role of partnerships and stakeholders for campaign success; and tailoring messages and personal storytelling to build trust with specific audiences.
Roundtable 3: Fundraising, Partnerships, and Networks
The third CHRA alumni roundtable will take place this week and will focus on fundraising, partnerships and networks. Participants will discuss innovative funding strategies, the effectiveness of cross-sector partnerships, and how to build resilience (financial, professional, and emotional) in an increasingly competitive landscape.
As the next edition of the summer school approaches, these online reunions reminded us about the importance and relevance of the schools’ core themes, still at the centre of global discourse around human rights, media and advocacy. 20 editions and counting, and there is always something new to learn, a new perspective to embrace.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the alumni who participated, generously sharing their experiences and helping our community grow, bridging generations of CHRA participants through connections that might otherwise never have taken place.
To our CHRA alumni we say: stay bold and connected, and should you ever be around Lido from August 31 to September 9, the Monastery doors are open!
If reading this article made you feel the power of community, the strength of shared values, and a sense of belonging, just know that the CHRA family continues to grow and it’s ready to welcome you on board !
Let yourself be transported into a world of possibility, and become part of our vibrant community: the call for applications for the 2026 edition of the CHRA School (August 31 to September 9) is open! We can’t wait to welcome you in Venice!
The second online reunion concluded with a creative exercise where participants drew self-portraits, capturing the diverse global presence of the attendees.