Balkans Beyond Borders

lieving that the region’s socio-economic development requires stability, cooperation and modernisation, Balkans Beyond Borders invests in the region’s young people. The organisation through its activities aims to contribute to the region’s better future and Europeanisation. Particularly, using the Art of short film and new media, Balkans Beyond Borders wants to boost intercultural dialogue and interaction among the young people of the region. By joining BBB’s activities, the youth from the Balkans learn to coexist, cooperate and overcome “borders”. In addition, while developing practical skills, they learn to overcome biases and prejudices; common negative features in the region, BBB aims to reduce. The organisation through its activities tries to broaden young people’s awareness on issues related to neighboring countries and enhance the sense of a “common European identity” amongst them. Finally, building on youth creativity, Balkans Beyond Borders brings forward current problems that concern the region’s younger generations. The organisation is also supported by a strong network of young successful individuals from Southeast Europe. Thanks to this network that BBB has actively developed, the organisation is present in 11 countries. In addition, Balkans Beyond Borders is collaborating with many NGOs, think tanks, film festivals, initiatives and institutions. Balkans Beyond Borders serves its mission in four ways: Film Festival, Workshops, Seminars and Network Developmet. How things started...

Balkans Beyond Borders started as an Initiative in 2009. At that time, 6 young professionals from 5 different countries of Southeast Europe met and co-worked within the frame of Southeast Europe and the EU Leadership Development Program (www.seeyoungleaders.org). This group of young professionals decided to initiate a project in order to promote the idea of regional cooperation. The Balkans Beyond Borders thematic short Film festival was born. In June 24th 2010, Balkans Beyond Borders became a nongovernmental organisation registered in Greece. Today, the organisation’s “core” team is shaped by eight young professionals coming from Greece, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania and Italy (more information about our team available at: http://www.balkansbeyondborders.eu/about/)

The 1st Short Film Festival took place in Belgrade in March 2010. BBB 2010 had as central theme the Inter-Balkan Cooperation. President of the board was the director and choreographer Konstantinos Rigos.