Democracy Through the Lens: CARDET’s Get Political Project Supports the 21st Lemesos International Documentary Festival

The EU-funded Get Political project, implemented in Cyprus by CARDET, partnered with the 21st Lemesos International Documentary Festival to promote civic awareness, democratic participation, and political engagement through the power of documentary cinema.

Held from 1 to 8 August 2026 at the Ceronia Hall, Lanitis Carob Mill in Limassol, the festival brought together filmmakers, activists, and audiences for a week of thought-provoking documentaries exploring contemporary social, political, and environmental issues. Set alongside Limassol’s historic Medieval Castle, the festival provided an inspiring space for dialogue, reflection, and community engagement.

As part of the collaboration, the Get Political project sponsored the screening of the award-winning documentary “A City in the Forest”, which took place on 3 August 2026. The film explores environmental justice, civic participation, and grassroots activism, demonstrating how local communities can mobilise to protect natural spaces and influence public decision-making. Its themes closely reflect the objectives of the Erasmus+ Get Political project, which aims to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively participate in democratic processes and shape political change.

Alongside the screening, the CARDET team conducted dissemination activities to raise awareness of the project’s outcomes. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the project’s national and transnational Political Talks research through a series of visually engaging posters presenting key findings from Cyprus and across Europe. By combining accessible language, compelling visuals, and evidence-based insights, the exhibition encouraged meaningful conversations around youth participation, democratic values, and the importance of informed civic engagement.

Through partnerships with cultural initiatives such as the Lemesos International Documentary Festival, the Get Political project continues to create opportunities for citizens, particularly young people, to engage with pressing societal issues, exchange perspectives, and strengthen democratic participation across Europe.

Learn more about the project, here: https://getpolitical-project.eu/