[Commlist] Documentary Summer School - Locarno

Applications open: 2024 Documentary Summer School at Locarno Film Festival

12.08-16.08.2024, Locarno, Switzerland

Submission Deadline:

10 May 2024

Summer School Description: 
(https://www.locarnofestival.ch/it/about/factory/documentary-summer-school.html)

Currently in its 25th year, DSS is hosted by the Institute of Media and 
Journalism (IMeG) at the University of Lugano (Università della Svizzera 
Italiana), along with the Locarno Film Festival and the Semaine de la 
Critique. As always, DSS will bring together experts from academia and 
the film industry to collaborate, exchange valuable insights, explore 
fresh concepts, and collectively contemplate the future of documentary 
filmmaking.

Registration for the Documentary Summer School 2024 is now open, and we 
encourage you to submit your application by May 10, 2024 (April 30, 2024 
if you need a VISA).

With 30 available spots at max, we recommend that you carefully review 
all the necessary information provided on this page before completing 
and submitting your application to (dss /at/ usi.ch). This will help streamline 
the process and ensure that you don't miss any important details.

What is the Documentary Summer School?

Established 25 years ago, the DSS offers an exceptional opportunity to 
meet and learn from globally renowned scholars and filmmakers while 
soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world's most prestigious film 
festivals.

The DSS program offers a one-of-a-kind experience that includes five 
half days of engaging lectures and carefully selected films from the 
prestigious Semaine de la Critique and the Festival's International 
Competition. By participating in this program, you will have the 
opportunity to engage in a stimulating exchange between the academic and 
film communities, immersing yourself in a dynamic dialogue that spans a 
wide range of topics - from theoretical reflection to creative practice.

At DSS, we are dedicated to showcasing the immense potential that hybrid 
projects - which bring together academia and film practices - can offer 
to both communities. Our program achieves this by drawing on the 
insights of renowned film scholars and filmmakers, whose contributions 
help to bridge the gap between these two domains and generate meaningful 
benefits for all involved.

The DSS strives to emphasize the advantages of hybrid projects that 
benefit both communities by tapping into the knowledge of world-renowned 
film scholars and filmmakers.

Over the years, we have been honored to host a diverse array of 
distinguished speakers, inlcuding Andrea Segre (award-winning director 
who has directed more than 20 films in the documentary and fiction 
genre), Nevina Satta (managing director of the Sardegna Film Commission 
and secretary general of the European Film Commission), Till Brockmann 
(head of the Semaine de la Critique, the independent section of the 
Locarno Film Festival, organized by the Swiss Association of Film 
Journalists), Rula Jebreal (journalist, novelist and award-winning 
screenwriter), Alessandro Comodin (director, screenwriter and editor of 
the documentary "Gigi the Law"), Arthur Jafa (American cinematographer), 
Brian Winston (Emmy winner for documentary screenplay), Sylvain George 
(director, cinematographer, editor and French poet), Martina Parenti 
(award-winning director and professor at Scuola Civica, Milan) and many 
others!

Do I fit the bill for the Documentary Summer School?

If the following criteria resonate with you, then the DSS would be an 
excellent opportunity for you to explore:

•           I am a university or film school student.

•           I am an emerging filmmaker.

•           I possess a proficient command of the English language, 
which is vital for interacting with fellow project participants and the 
various guests at DSS.

•           I have a profound interest in documentary filmmaking.

•           I am eager to engage proactively with experts and colleagues 
from around the world.

Which documents are required in the application process?

To apply for the DSS, we require the following documents:

Your resume in English

A brief motivational letter (max 600 words) outlining your enthusiasm 
for documentary filmmaking and the reasons behind your decision to apply 
to DSS. It is critical for us to understand your interest in this 
opportunity.

A passport-sized digital photograph of yourself, which is necessary for 
your festival accreditation in the event of selection.

Please ensure that you submit all required documents, as incomplete 
applications will not be considered during the selection process for DSS 
participants.

Which dates should I remember?

Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

If you need a visa, the deadline to submit your application is April 30, 
2024. By May 13, 2024, you will receive a response regarding your 
application to the program. This response will inform you of whether you 
have been accepted into the program, placed on a waiting list, or 
unfortunately not selected for participation.

The general deadline to submit your application is May 10, 2024. By May 
27, 2024, you will receive a response regarding your application to the 
program. This response will inform you of whether you have been accepted 
into the program, placed on a waiting list, or unfortunately not 
selected for participation.

The Documentary Summer School will take place from August 12-16, 2024, 
during which you will participate in various events and activities.

What does the Documentary Summer School in Locarno offer if I get selected?

Participating in the DSS in Locarno will be a unique and rewarding 
experience.

The participation fee of CHF 600 includes:

•           Overnight accommodation, including breakfast, at the Locarno 
Youth Hostel from August 11-17, in a shared room with another 
participant (shared unisex bathroom).

•           An accreditation that grants access to all Locarno Film 
Festival screenings.

•           Five days of lectures with a diverse international faculty 
of film scholars and professionals.

•           Exclusive Q&A sessions with filmmakers from the festival as 
well as those selected for the Semaine de la Critique.

•           Networking events and opportunities to connect with 
individuals from around the world.

•           A certificate of participation.

•           Undergraduate students can earn 3 ECTS credits through their 
participation in the program.

The only additional expenses are travel to and from Locarno and meals 
(apart from breakfast, which is included in the participation fee).

If this meets your requirements, please send your application to (dss /at/ usi.ch).

Organizing Committee

Dr. Eleonora Benecchi is a lecturer and researcher at the Institute of 
Media and Journalism at the Università della Svizzera italiana, 
Switzerland. She specializes in Audiovisual Theory and Production, 
Digital Cultures, and Social Media Management. Her research and 
publications focus on fandom and audiovisual culture.

Laura Pranteddu M.Sc. is a doctoral student and researcher at the 
Institute of Media and Journalism of the Università della Svizzera 
italiana, responsible for the laboratory of the Audiovisual Theory and 
Production course. Already juror at film festivals, she deals with 
artificial intelligence in journalism.

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