Summer School in Cinema,
Human Rights and Advocacy

By taking this course, you will:

• Gain knowledge, insights and perspectives on the role of visual media in influencing change and raising awareness about human and environmental rights issues
• Develop a toolbox of strategies, best practices, tips and techniques for storytelling, reporting, documenting, and investigating stories to drive social change
• Explore the practical and technical challenges in producing and distributing social impact documentaries
• Deepen critical thinking through reflection, dialogue and film analysis, fostering debate on human rights topics
• Address ethical challenges in using visual media, gain insight on how to deal with people affected by trauma, and develop self-care
• Receive constructive peer and experts feedback on personal project proposals (optional and within specific sessions)

In class, participants will engage in an interactive learning experience through:

• Lectures introducing specific topics using diverse media and teaching tools
• Workshops to develop, apply and hone specific skills or techniques
• Working groups enhancing peer exchange and mutual learning
• Meetings with filmmakers/producers from festival screenings to discuss film production challenges, content, and creative styles
• One-to-one tutorials with experts for feedback on personal project proposal (optional)
• Participants’ project presentations to receive constructive peer feedback (optional)

Outside class, participants will also have the opportunity to:

• Network with inspiring, like-minded people in a diverse cohort that values diversity and inclusivity
• Expand professional connections through facilitator mentoring and interaction with film industry professionals at the Venice International Film Festival
• Immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Festival
• Be inspired by the rich cultural and social events Venice has to offer

The Summer School is a 10-day programme, whose schedule is constantly subject to change in order to accommodate the Festival screenings and last-minute meetings with directors and members of the filming industry.

Download the Programme (pdf)

Target audience: The School is addressed to students, experts and advocates of human rights, media, NGOs, advocacy and the third (voluntary) sector, as well as anyone interested in using audio-visual media as a tool to promote human rights and social change.

Class size: limited to 30 participants to foster peer networking and maximise opportunities for direct interaction and personalised feedback from the experts.

Visa: for those who require visa to travel to Italy, kindly be advised that visa application is a lengthy and complex process. Please inform yourself about the timing and necessary steps in advance. For more information, visit: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/

Deadline: 30 April 2026

Selection criteria:

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Experience in human and environmental rights-related issues
• Motivation: i) your reasons for applying ii) what you expect to gain iii) what added value you will bring to the class.
• Project proposal (optional): It will be considered an advantage in the selection process. It will not be developed during the Summer School, but it may be discussed during the one-to-one tutorials and/or in participants’ project presentations, should the participant wish to do so.

Evaluation: on a rolling basis. Eligible candidates will be notified by email with an acceptance letter, including instructions for fee payment.

Fee: € 1,900 that includes:

• Tuition fee
• Lunches and coffee breaks on class days
• Cinema accreditation badge to access Venice Film Festival screenings (valid for the entire duration of the Festival, until 12 September 2026)
• Reading materials
• Certificate of attendance upon completion of the programme

All expenses related to transportation, accommodation, subsistence and any additional cost not listed above must be arranged and covered by the participant.

A 10% discount is foreseen for Global Campus Alumni.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

Application window: 2 March 2026 (12 pm CET) – 20 March 2026 (12 pm CET)

Selection criteria:

• Youth aged 18-25 (born between 2001 and 2008)
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Experience in human and environmental rights-related issues
• Motivation: i) your reasons for applying ii) what you expect to gain iii) what added value you will bring to the class
• Project Proposal (optional): It will be considered an advantage in the selection process. It will not be developed during the Summer School, but it may be discussed during the one-to-one tutorials and/or in participants’ project presentations, should the participant wish to do so.

Evaluation: after the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 10-minute online interview.

Type of economic support: waiving of the fee of € 1,900 (subject to external funding approval). All expenses related to transportation, accommodation and subsistence and any additional cost not listed above must be arranged and covered by the participant.