The success of the X Edition of Euro.Soul Festival is measured not only by the enthusiasm of the crowds but also through the quality of the educational activities. In the middle of digital innovation this year there was the highly anticipated Let’s Book Trailers Contest. This learning path, born and developed in the months leading up to the Festival, saw students challenge each other in creativity and digital competencies. A panel of distinguished experts ensured the transparency and high educational value of the competition. The panel was composed of four external experts, both international and local, who evaluated works in a professional way.
The evaluation commission saw a strong academic presence thanks to the participation of university professors and experts in the field. The jury’s leadership was given, in the role of President of the Jury, to Prof. Marcheschi, literary critic at international level, professor at CEG – Universidade Aberta in Lisbon and President of the National Edition of the Works of Carlo Lorenzini. Prof. ssa Marcheschi also enriched the Festival as a speaker, talking to students during her lesson “Humor and Values in Collodi” in the Council Chamber and presenting the volume “The Dream of Don Quixote” and “Writers Are Not Born” by Giuseppe Pontiggia.
With the President, the group of the four members of the Jury included Nick Buscher, Laura Castro Iglesias, Karine Van Beek and Guerino Nisticò. Their external and specialized perspective allowed them to analyse the works with an educational and technical approach of the highest caliber. In this way they guaranteed an equal vote for all the projects in the Contest.
The task of the four judges was really precise and divided into four categories to ensure fair voting: Category A (students aged 12-14), Category B (students aged 15-20), Category C (Over 20 including adults, seniors and teachers themselves in their role as reading mentors), and category D dedicated entirely to students with special needs. To guarantee the competition’s complete independence, the festival’s director, led by Erika Gerardini, has chosen to entrust the selection of the winners exclusively to an expert jury.
The scores awarded by the four judges and coordinated by the President Marcherschi gave the highest possible ratings to the most deserving projects. Voting ranged from 1 to 10, including decimal scores such as 1.5 or 2.5, and was based on three key criteria:
- Criteria 1: Originally, creativity and coherence with the chosen book
- Criteria 2: Engagement and ability to communicate the message
- Criteria 3: Technical and artistic quality
The members of the jury faced the complex challenge due to the strong use of AI, various editing programs, and access to professional versions of graphic tools provided by JUMP. The top scores awarded recognized the students’ hard work, guided over time through online lessons and practical afternoons. The jury conducted a thorough technical review to ensure that each video was original and respected the required deadlines. This extensive evaluation process provides Euro.Soul with a heritage of digital skills that unites European partners in the future of reading.
This important result proves the effectiveness of JUMP’s educational work, which combines technology with the cultural development of young people. Thanks to its strong international network, the Association has involved top-level experts and provided young people with practical digital skills. With the success of this Contest, JUMP confirms its role as a key reference point for education and for opening the region to the future of Europe.
Author: Fabiola Forgione – JUMP Staff
