The quiet coastal village of Colares, nestled between the mountains of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean, became the stage for Film Frequency, a dynamic Erasmus+ youth exchange that united 38 participants from Portugal, Czechia, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia.

More than just a filmmaking experience, this activity was a space for intercultural learning, creative expression, and personal discovery. Through a packed program of workshops, group challenges, beach adventures, and cultural exchanges, participants explored the power of storytelling, not only through the camera lens but through human connection.

The activity began with a series of ice-breaker games and group dynamics activities, where participants got to know one another, shared their fears, expectations, and personal goals for the exchange. This helped build trust and a strong sense of community that carried through the entire activity.

Early in the program, participants took part in a series of hands-on workshops focused on photography and visual composition, video editing with DaVinci Resolve, and sound creation and music production using FL Studio and Ableton Live. These sessions gave them both the technical knowledge and creative confidence to begin experimenting with audiovisual storytelling.

To put their new skills into practice, participants were given an exciting one-day challenge: to create a short film using only original sounds they recorded and produced themselves. This exercise encouraged rapid collaboration, creativity under pressure, and a deeper understanding of how sound can shape atmosphere and emotion, setting the stage for the larger final challenge developed later in the exchange.

Midway through the activity, the energy reached a new peak; it was time for the final creative challenge. Participants formed production teams and pitched their ideas, stepping into full creative control of their short films. The concepts that emerged were incredibly diverse: vlogs, documentaries, conceptual films, music videos, and trailers, each short video capturing the unique identity and vision of its team.

With limited time and lots of pressure, the groups threw themselves into the process with focus and passion. Some ventured into the historic center of Sintra to find inspiration in its architecture and atmosphere, while others headed to the beach or the forest, where one group explored poetic parallels between the human body and nature. Every element of the films, from the footage to the entire soundtrack, was created by the participants themselves, including all recordings, edits, and sound design. What resulted was a powerful collection of personal and expressive films, born from teamwork, creativity, and a shared drive to tell meaningful stories.

Beyond workshops and film sets, Film Frequency offered unforgettable moments by the ocean. Participants had the chance to explore local beaches, enjoy the sun, and connect with nature, many for the first time ever.

Some even went surfing during lunch breaks, bravely stepping on a board and catching waves for the very first time. For several participants, this was their first time seeing the ocean or even stepping onto a beach, an emotional and life-changing experience that added a magical layer to the exchange.

On the final day, emotions ran high. Participants revealed their secret friends, received their Youthpass certificates, and proudly presented their completed films in a celebratory screening.

As the final films lit up the screen, the room filled with laughter, applause, and wide-eyed surprise. The creativity, dedication, and teamwork behind each film were impossible to miss, and the pride on everyone's faces said it all. It was the perfect way to wrap up an intense, inspiring, and unforgettable week together.

Film Frequency wasn't just a youth exchange; it was a time full of creativity, learning, and new connections. Young people from across Europe came together to share ideas, tell stories, and build something special as a team.

The ocean waves might be behind us now, but the memories, friendships, and inspiration from this experience will stay with us for a long time.