Following the experience of its first edition, which confirmed both the interest in and the need for a dedicated development path for archive-based documentaries, Past Forward – Archive Film Lab returns in 2026 with its second edition. The lab further consolidates its role as a space for specialised consultancy and tutoring aimed at projects working with the creative reuse of archival footage, responding to a production field that is rapidly growing and to an increasingly structured demand from the audiovisual industry.
Past Forward – Archive Film Lab is a project by Archivio Aperto and Bio to B – Industry Days | Doc.
The lab is addressed to Italian feature-length documentaries (minimum final length 52’), in development, production or post-production, based predominantly on archival footage and materials.
Archive-based documentaries and found-footage films are increasingly present today at festivals, showcases and in distribution circuits, as well as on television channels and streaming platforms. Past Forward – Archive Film Lab was created to engage with this production and market sector, offering a focused training and consultancy programme designed to provide specific expertise and concrete development tools.
A total of 6 projects will be selected:
4 projects in an advanced stage of production (work in progress / rough cut)
2 projects in development (early stage)
The selected teams will take part in a programme coordinated by Sergio Fant (Archivio Aperto) and Caterina Mazzucato (Bio to B – Industry Days | Doc & Drama), including one in-person in-depth feedback session and two online sessions, with contributions from professionals with specific experience in working with archival materials:
Ilaria Fraioli, editor
Martina Parenti, director
Alessia Petitto, archive producer
Call opening: 21 January 2026
Call deadline: 22 February 2026
Participation is free of charge, subject to selection.
To apply, applicants must complete the online form and submit the required materials, as detailed in the official call.
Lab period: March–May 2026, with in-person and online meetings
Programme conclusion: final showcase within Bio to B – Industry Days | Doc, Cinema Modernissimo, Bologna, 9 June 2026, in front of an audience of experts and audiovisual industry professionals.
