During this year’s edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum (FERM), held in Vatra Dornei from July 9 to 13, participants were invited to explore best practice models in local community development. One of the most unique stops on the “Field Visits” program was Panaci, a village proudly bearing the title of European Youth Village, a distinction it has earned two years in a row.

Panaci – A Village for the Youth

The community of Panaci has distinguished itself through constant involvement in projects dedicated to young people and social inclusion.

“We are active in everything here,” emphasized the local representatives, noting collaborations with the Panaci Town Hall and other local administrations

A local councilor directly involved in these initiatives explained that efforts focus on developing rural youth, creating opportunities, and providing alternatives for leisure activities.

“I devote all my efforts to the development of youth and social inclusion, especially in rural areas”

An Idea Born During the Pandemic

Panaci’s open-air cinema has a special story rooted in the pandemic period. In 2020, travel restrictions and limitations on the number of event participants forced the community to find creative solutions.

“We had to organize dates and customs on the third day of Christmas. Only 50 people were allowed indoors, 100 outdoors. That’s when the idea came: let’s split them up into cars”

Thus, through an ingenious system – a large banner lowered with pulleys, projections on a screen, and sound broadcast via radio frequency – locals could enjoy performances and artistic moments safely from their cars. The events ran smoothly and attracted a large audience.

From Experiment to Tradition

The success of the first edition paved the way for transforming this experiment into a true community open-air cinema. Young people took the initiative and began organizing movie nights for the entire community. The atmosphere was enhanced with small popcorn stands, soft drinks, and a festival-like vibe that brought together different generations.

“We wanted to offer an alternative, to not just stay in front of computers with online courses. We wanted to do something for everyone,” explained the organizers.

A Model of Best Practice

Panaci’s cinema is not just a cultural space but also a symbol of community resilience and creativity. It demonstrates how locally driven initiatives, even with modest resources, can have a significant impact on quality of life.

For FERM participants, the visit to Panaci was proof that regional development is not only about infrastructure and investments but also about simple ideas that bring people together and give meaning to the notion of community.

Conclusion

Panaci’s open-air cinema is more than just a cultural project – it represents a model of adaptability, innovation, and community spirit. Born out of a real need during the pandemic, the initiative has evolved into a cultural space accessible to all, bringing together different generations and fostering a sense of belonging and local pride.

Through youth involvement in organization and close collaboration with the local administration, the project demonstrates how small but well-thought-out initiatives can generate sustainable community change. It is a clear example that regional development is not only about large investments or infrastructure but also about creating experiences, informal education, and opportunities for social inclusion.