A key aspect of our campaign around the film HINTER GUTEN TÜREN (‘Behind good doors’) was a cinema tour with more than 90 screenings across Germany. Many events were followed by audience discussions with filmmaker Julia Beerhold and local partner organisations. With our exclusive online live event, we wanted to bring the film to those who have not had the opportunity to see the film, due to its limited cinema distribution and marketing.

• Client: mindjazz pictures, Cologne
• Speakers: Julia Beerhold, Rainer Rettinger, Cordula Stratmann
• Livestream producer: Ben Kempas, Film & Campaign
• Chat managers: Tabita Knoblauch, Film & Campaign; Claudia Bodinet
• Film producers providing support on location: Torsten Reglin, Roswitha Ester
• Finances: Aga Slawinska, Film & Campaign
• Audience platform: Film & Campaign on Eventive

World Children’s Day on 20th November 2024 provided the ideal setting for such an online event. It also marks the anniversaries of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly (1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).

Due to the sensitive and potentially triggering nature of the film we were focused on providing a safe and supportive environment. At most events in the early part of the cinema tour, we were able to provide in-person support by collaborating with trauma specialists. Following the screenings, audience discussions allowed us to provide a safe space to share experiences, discuss questions that the film brought up, and offer a sense of community.

However, many may be uncomfortable watching such an emotionally tolling film in a public setting. We enabled them to watch and discuss the film ‘live’ in the comfort and safety of their own homes, while providing them with access to a supportive community.

The online event combined a live-stream of the film and a discussion with Julia Beerhold (director), Rainer Rettinger (Deutscher Kinderverein e.V. – ‘German Children’s Association’) and our special guest, comedian and systemic family therapist Cordula Stratmann. 

Throughout, the audience was able to post their thoughts and questions for the panel in a chat – a very lively space where many shared their own experiences and offered support to each other.

“Thank you very much for this evening and 'being seen and being allowed to be like that' - and not being alone”
– audience member

We worked with two dedicated chat managers: one to select questions to the panel and another one to continuously share information about telephone helplines, dedicated victim support organisations, and our calls to action.

Julia Beerhold, director of HINTER GUTEN TÜREN and host of the discussion

“It's like group therapy! The other people in the chat ask 'my' questions and report scenes from 'my' life.”
– audience member

This uniquely intimate online experience highlighted the value of community and the importance of discussing the prevalence of violence against children, the implementation of children' s rights in the German constitution, and actions needed in our society as well as on a political level. 272 tickets to the event were sold. 

“Thank you for your work. Experiences of violence are very diverse in their form, impact and depth. Breaking the silence is the first important step to fundamental change.”
– audience member

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