Portraying History: Working with Archival Material

31 May, 2026, 4.00 PM @ Festival Center: Lounge 19

Event language: English

Archives are never neutral. They reflect the societies that create them, the power structures that shape them, and the histories they often omit. This session delves into the practical and ethical dimensions of working with archival film material. Through case studies and breakout discussions, participants will explore research methods, questions of access, and the creative potential of montage, fragmentation, and recontextualization. From artist estates to historical records, the session offers valuable insights into how archival material can be researched, interpreted, and reimagined into compelling cinematic storytelling.

After an opening conversation, the session will transition into three thematic breakouts: one focused on artists’ archives and the interplay between legacy and contemporary interpretation; another on historical archives and the process of reframing dominant narratives; and a final, hands-on practice space dedicated to research, editing decisions, montage, and working with fragmentary material.