Documentary Film Review of Cultural Heritage and Public Archaeology

The IV Documentary Film Review of Cultural Heritage and Public Archaeology is an event that promotes ancient history and public archaeology through visual art. The event features short films, documentaries and informative, educational and tourist productions that raise awareness of Italy's cultural heritage and historical identity, with a particular focus on the southern region.

The 2026 edition will take place across three locations: the Castrovillari Prison on 25 and 26 March (screenings reserved for the male and female sections); the Norman Castle of Santa Severina on 28 March, with a meeting dedicated to schools; and the R.A. San Giuseppe conference hall in San Sosti on 29 March, with a meeting open to the public and authors.

The programme includes screenings of ten works selected from documentaries, docu-fiction and 3D reconstructive animations, all of which will be presented in high definition at the event venues. The themes range from the protection and enhancement of Italy's historical and archaeological heritage, to intangible cultural heritage, such as traditions, peoples and historical memory, to productions dedicated to living history and historical theatre.

Alongside the competitive screenings, the festival will host the special event "Mario Carbone: il fotografo con la macchina da presa" (Mario Carbone: the photographer with the camera), an exhibition scheduled to take place in Santa Severina on 28 March, curated by Movendo Lux and the Brettion Foundation. There will also be videos of the winning works from previous editions, as well as conferences and in-depth discussions with experts in the field. Guided tours will be offered of the museums and archaeological parks hosting the events, including the Castle of Santa Severina and the Park and Museum of San Sosti. Educational activities will be offered to schools and the general public.

The festival will award three prizes: the "Brettion" Prize, for the demo-anthropological film most appreciated by the public; the "Enotri" Prize, awarded by a jury of archaeologists, journalists, and experts to the best archaeological documentary film; and the "Kyniskos" Prize, reserved for historical-archaeological short films made with the support of artificial intelligence.

Admission and participation are free of charge.