Storytelling can be a tool of resistance when civic space is under attack. As the world grapples with rising threats & an erosion of human rights, WLP Kyrgyzstan Bir Duino created a space for artists and activists to come together under the theme 'Resilience in Times of Crisis.'

This festival demonstrated that documentary film isn't just art; it's activism. When open dialogue is limited, storytelling becomes a way to: 📖Challenge dominant narratives 🎥Document lived realities ⚖️Keep democratic values alive

📖Challenging Dominant Narratives Documentaries expose realities that are often dismissed or denied, offering the opportunity to reach wider audiences and shift perspectives. They turn difficult subjects, like inequality, repression, and violence, into engaging narratives.

🎥Documenting Lived Realities Film becomes a living archive, protecting truth when civic space is under threat. By showcasing real stories of people navigating today's crises, the festival turned abstract policy debates into human stories that demand accountability.

⚖️Keeping Democratic Values Alive Art sustains freedom of expression when formal civic spaces are shrinking. Film stimulated dialogue and brings important discussions and diverse perspectives into the public sphere, transmitting democratic values across borders and generations.