The Short Film Lab «Are We All Tired?» organized by the Central Regional Directorate of IPDJ in Coimbra gave young people a voice through cinema to reflect on burnout, stress, and mental health. The initiative, which took place on October 23, 2026, was part of the Youth Development Academy and marked World Mental Health Day.
Students from Communication and Digital Service, Legal Services, Management and Marketing, Tourism, and Psychosocial Support courses at the Profitecla Professional School of Coimbra explored the theme based on their experiences, resulting in the creation of five short films. The work began in the classroom and culminated in the presentation of the films, followed by a debate.
José Cardoso Lima, an educational assistant at Profitecla, highlighted how the students' involvement in making the films allowed them to truly own the theme. Participants in the discussion included Daisyhouani Neto and John Nunes (Profitecla), José Cardoso Lima, Mariana Santos (Erasmus Student Network), and Rita Rosado Silva (psychologist and coordinator of the Cuida-te Program). Paula Candeias (IPDJ) moderated the conversation, which addressed school, social, and professional pressures, youth associativism, and the importance of healthier contexts.
The session concluded with information about the Cuida-te Program, led by professionals from the Coimbra Youth Health Office, emphasizing prevention and access to specialized support.
The initiative demonstrates how youth participation and artistic expression are relevant tools for addressing complex issues, empowering young people as protagonists in knowledge construction and peer awareness.
