[Commlist] REAL – Reality Exploration Academy of Locarno 2026 - call for participants

*Call for Applications: REAL – Reality Exploration Academy of Locarno 2026*
*Dates:* 05.08 – 15.08.2026 *Location:* Locarno, Switzerland 
*Deadline:* May 28, 2026 *Website:* 
https://www.locarnofestival.ch/it/about/factory/real-academy.html 
<https://www.locarnofestival.ch/it/about/factory/real-academy.html>
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 at the 
intersection of film theory, media studies, and practice-based research.
Participants will engage with leading scholars and filmmakers, explore 
new critical perspectives, and reflect on the concept of the "real" 
through the production of original video essays. REAL is the only 
program of the Locarno Academy that awards ECTS credits (up to 6 
credits) to qualified students.
*WHO SHOULD APPLY?*

  *
    University students (BA, MA, or PhD level) seeking ECTS credits and
    academic engagement.
  *
    Filmmakers, media professionals, or scholars with a genuine
    intellectual curiosity about the cinema of the real.
  *
    Curious thinkers ready to explore how digital media reshapes our
    perception of truth.
  *
    Fluent English speakers (all sessions are held in English).
  *
    Experience with video production is appreciated but not mandatory.

*WHAT TO EXPECT?*

  *
    Intensive seminars on documentary theory, media ecology, and
    cinematic reality.
  *
    In-depth workshops on the video essay as an artistic research
    methodology.
  *
    Priority access to the "Future of Cinema" conference during the
    Locarno Film Festival.
  *
    Curated screenings and Q&As from the Locarno Film Festival and
    Semaine de la Critique.
  *
    Mentorship for the creation of a final video essay to obtain ECTS
    credits.
  *
    Official certificate of participation and Festival Accreditation.
  *
    10 nights of accommodation (shared rooms and breakfast included).

*FEES & LOGISTICS* Participation fee: CHF 800 (Covers accommodation, 
breakfast, festival accreditation, and the full educational program. 
Participants cover their own travel and non-breakfast meals). 
Application fee: CHF 10 (deducted from the total fee if selected).
*KEY DATES*

  *
    March 10, 2026: Applications open
  *
    May 28, 2026: Application deadline
  *
    June 14, 2026: Notification of results
  *
    August 5–15, 2026: Program dates

*ORGANIZING COMMITTEE*

  *
    Prof. Kevin B. Lee (USI / Locarno Film Festival)
  *
    Dr. Eleonora Benecchi (USI)
  *
    Laura Pranteddu (USI)
  *
    Flavia Mazzarino (USI)

*FULL DETAILS AND APPLICATION:* 
https://www.locarnofestival.ch/it/about/factory/real-academy.html 
<https://www.locarnofestival.ch/it/about/factory/real-academy.html>
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