BIG IDEAS FOR YOUNG MINDS
Young people bring curiosity, creativity and vital perspectives to the stories we share—and the community we’re building together. At ReFrame, we want children and youth to help shape our festival as audiences, creators and collaborators. Through documentary film, creative projects and connections with educators, we’re making more room for young people to ask big questions, share their ideas and imagine more just futures.
FILMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Shared stories can spark wonderful conversations across generations. For ReFrame 2027, we’re excited to present two dedicated family screening blocks during our in-person festival in Nogojiwanong / Peterborough.
The films are confirmed, but we’re keeping the titles under wraps a little longer! Stay tuned for exciting updates, including film descriptions, recommended ages and screening details.
REFRAMING OUR PLACE
What does this place mean to you?
ReFraming Our Place is a project that invites children and youth in Nogojiwanong / Peterborough and nearby communities to share creative reflections on the lands, waters, skies and all our relations here, on the territory of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg.
Young people can contribute artwork, photographs, writing, voice, music or short videos exploring connection, belonging and our responsibilities to one another and the living world. ReFrame will weave selected contributions into short films to play before in-person and online screenings at the 2027 festival, with contributors credited.
These films will form a collective creative reflection: one part of ReFrame’s broader and ongoing territory acknowledgement practice.
Submissions are open until November 30, 2026. Everyone under 30 is welcome—from toddlers to undergraduates and beyond! Participate individually, with your family, or through a school or youth group. The resources below were created for elementary and secondary schools, but the prompts can be adapted to suit any age, interest or way of creating:
Elementary ages: project information and creative prompts (PDF)
Secondary ages: project information and creative prompts (PDF)
Contributions from minors must be submitted by an educator, parent, guardian or another authorized adult, with appropriate permission. Parents and guardians can confirm permission directly on the submission form. Educators submitting on behalf of students can download the parent/guardian permission form for schools.
Submit your contribution HERE.
BRING REFRAME INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Documentary film can bring coursework to life, connecting ideas with lived experiences and opening space for critical thinking and conversation. We welcome connections with secondary and post-secondary educators across disciplines—from media arts and English to science, Indigenous studies and the social sciences.
Whether you’re planning a class outing, incorporating independent viewing into coursework or hoping to watch together, we’d love to explore the possibilities. Options include in-person festival screenings, filmmaker Q&As and panels at selected programs, independent viewing during our virtual festival, and classroom or group screenings subject to filmmaker or distributor permission.
We can help identify films suited to your students’ ages, interests and learning goals, discuss educational discounts and group rates, and work with you to address financial or accessibility barriers.
Download our guide for educators (PDF) for more information about screening options, educational rates and ways to participate.