B6201 - LABORATORY OF FESTIVAL MANAGEMENT

Learning outcomes

The laboratory aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the overall management of a major international cultural event. At the end of the workshop, the student will be able to develop a festival project, including an original cultural proposal and a credible budget to submit to funders.

Course contents

Drawing on the experience of Il Cinema Ritrovato, organized by the Cineteca di Bologna - recognized as one of the most significant international festivals dedicated to film heritage - students will engage with topics including archival management, curatorial practices, restoration methodologies, programming, staff organization, promotional strategies, sponsorship, and funding structures.

The course is organised around consecutive phases:

· General overview of Cineteca di Bologna’s activities

· Guided visit of Biblioteca Renzo Renzi and the restoration lab L’Immagine Ritrovata

· Detailed presentation of the tools used for film selection, programming and budgeting

· Overview of the funding opportunities and strategies

· Development of festival projects in group, including a real budget

· Presentation of the projects with in depth discussion

Teaching methods

After the presentation of the numerous activities’ management, groups of students will focus their work on the practical development of a real festival project. Dreaming of the best possible films on the screen, in front of the largest possible audience but with the necessary budget.

Assessment methods

Pass mark (idoneità) will be determined by the extent of students’ participation in project development.

Teaching tools

https://festival.ilcinemaritrovato.it/en/

https://cinetecadibologna.it/

https://www.immagineritrovata.it/

Video report of the 2025 Cinema Ritrovato: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUaB7Ojl-ms

Office hours

See the website of Guy Karim Borlee