[Commlist] Call for applications: REAL – Reality Exploration Academy of Locarno 2025

*Applications open: 2025 REAL – Reality Exploration Academy of Locarno*
06.08-16.08.2025, Locarno, Switzerland

Register now for REAL – Reality Exploration Academy of Locarno 2025!
The 26th edition of the long-running Documentary Summer School returns 
with a new name and format: REAL – Reality Exploration Academy of 
Locarno, organized by the Institute of Media and Journalism (USI) and 
the Locarno Film Festival.
REAL is a ten-day intensive program for university students and emerging 
filmmakers passionate about non-fiction cinema. Participants will engage 
with leading scholars and filmmakers, explore new critical and creative 
perspectives, and reflect on the concept of the real through audiovisual 
practice. The program includes the production of a video essay as a 
final assignment. Participation can be recognized with up to 6 ECTS 
credits, subject to approval by the student’s home institution.
REAL is calling for:

  * University students at Bachelor, Master, or PhD level who want more
    than just classroom theory.
  * Emerging filmmakers who want to deepen their understanding of
    reality through moving images.
  * Cinematic minds, curious thinkers and bold storytellers obsessed
    with exploring reality on screen—from raw truths to hybrid forms.
  * Fluent English speakers ready to dive into global conversations (all
    sessions are in English).

If I am selected, what can I expect from the REAL Academy?
10 unforgettable days of ideas, images, and inspiration at one of the 
world’s most iconic film festivals.

  * Inspiring lectures with leading international scholars and filmmakers
  * Privileged/priority access to the Locarno “Future of Reality”
    conference, August 11-12, which brings leading international
    researchers on reality and the audiovisual.
  * Curated screenings and Q&As from the Locarno Film
    Festival and Semaine de la Critique
  * A deep-dive seminar on the video essay, blending artistic research
    and critical media theory
  * Creation of a final video essay expressing, your personal reflection
    on the real, to receive your credit for to up to 6 ECTS recognition
    (Experience with video production is encouraged but not required -
    video essay assignments are adaptable to all levels of expertise).
  * An official certificate of participation
  * Festival Accreditation that gives you access to everything the
    Festival has to offer
  * 10 nights at the Papio College in Ascona, cozy triple rooms shared
    with fellow participants, private bathroom, and breakfast included,
    all in a beautiful lakeside setting just 8 minutes from the Festival
    hub, with easy access via the Festival shuttle bus – included in
    your participation.
  * Evening events, informal gatherings, real networking — the kind that
    shifts your perspective, not just your LinkedIn profile.
  * A global networking playground with fellow creatives and thinkers
    from around the world.

Participation fee: CHF 750 covering your stay, festival accreditation, 
lectures, screenings, and more. You just cover your travel and meals 
(except breakfast).

Which dates do I need to put in my diary and keep free if selected?
·      March 18, 2025 – applications open
·       June 2, 2025 - deadline for sending in your application
·       June 9, 2025 – after this date you will receive an answer in 
respect of your application
·       6–16 August 2025 – participation in the program and Locarno Film 
Festival

Organizing Committee
·       Prof. Kevin B. Lee, Locarno Film Festival Professor for the 
Future of Cinema and the Audiovisual Arts at USI. Filmmaker, media 
artist, and leading expert in video essays and artistic research.
·       Dr. Eleonora Benecchi, Lecturer and Researcher at USI, expert in 
audiovisual theory, digital cultures, and social media.
·       Laura Pranteddu, Doctoral student and researcher at USI, 
responsible for the audiovisual theory and production lab, with 
expertise in AI in journalism.
*/
/*
Call Description: 
https://www.locarnofestival.ch/about/factory/real-academy.html


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