Past Forward

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

The call is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted their project.

The selection process is underway: selected projects will be contacted starting from March 6 to confirm their participation.The official results will be announced after March 16.

Lab period: March–May 2026, with in-person and online meetings

Programme conclusion: final showcase within Bio to B – Industry Days | Doc, Bologna, 9 June 2026, in front of an audience of experts and audiovisual industry professionals.