School classes can register for “Everyday Drugs in Focus 2026”
School classes from Darmstadt and the Darmstadt-Dieburg district can now register for the Youth Film Days "Everyday Drugs in Focus 2026". The addiction prevention event will take place on November 2nd and 3rd at the Kinopolis Darmstadt cinema and is aimed particularly at school classes from the 7th grade onwards, as well as young people between 12 and 19 years old.
The focus is on how young people can develop a responsible approach to alcohol, nicotine, digital media, and other addictive substances. To this end, the cinema will be transformed into an interactive learning and experiential space on both days of the event. Selected films will be combined with various hands-on activities.
Films and interactive activities combine
Even before entering the cinema, the young people can test their knowledge, talk to each other, and explore risks, protective factors, and their own attitudes. The Youth Film Days are organized by the addiction prevention agencies of the City of Darmstadt, the ROPE e.V. network, and the Darmstadt-Dieburg district. They are supported by organizations including Caritas, the South Hesse Police Headquarters, and the State School Authority.
"The Youth Film Days create low-threshold access to important topics in addiction prevention," explains Mayor and Head of Social Services Barbara Akdeniz. Especially with sensitive topics like addiction and family problems, it is important to empower young people, give them guidance, and reach them in their own environment.
The Youth Film Days will take place for the fifth time in 2026. According to Christel Sprößler, County Councillor and Head of Social Services for the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, they have now become an established part of addiction prevention programs at many schools.
There are three films to choose from
This year, school classes can choose between three films. "22 Lanes" tells the story of a young woman who, in addition to studying and working, takes on responsibility for her younger sister and is also confronted with her mother's alcohol addiction.
"Offline – Life Is Not a Bonus Level" deals with gaming and digital media use. The story centers on 17-year-old Jan, whose everyday life is heavily influenced by online gaming and who suddenly has to cope without his usual game.
The short film "Memories of a Forgotten Childhood" tells the story of an eleven-year-old boy growing up in a family plagued by addiction. Director Lars Smekal incorporates autobiographical experiences into the film. He will be present at the Youth Film Days and will discuss the film's creation and background with the young people after the screening.
Registration is now open
Entry costs €5 per student; accompanying adults participate free of charge. Schools can register their classes by emailing fsp@ladadi.de . As the number of participants is limited, the organizers recommend registering early.
The most important data
What: Youth Film Days “Everyday Drugs in Focus 2026”
When: November 2nd and 3rd, 2026
Where: Kinopolis Darmstadt
Target group: especially school classes from grade 7 upwards, young people aged 12 to 19
Admission: 5 euros per student, accompanying persons free of charge
Registration: fsp@ladadi.de
Note: Places are limited.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
