For more than two decades now, research departments and PhD programs have been developed in film schools, partly in the context of the Bologna process. At this point, the thematic meeting aims to draw up an update on the state of research in film schools in a fast-changing environment. What are the current approaches, topics and methods, the challenges they face and their results? How do we build a stronger research environment and promote research activities as sites of reflection, dialogue and engagement in a troubled context? How does research – in a broad sense as research on as well as through artistic filmmaking practice – contribute to creating more robust, enlightened and open institutions and film professionals? The aim of this meeting is to map out current evolutions of research practices in a rapidly changing environment and show case studies for research initiatives led by film and television schools, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaborations, practice-based initiatives and artistic research in audiovisual media, emerging topics, and/or partnering with the industry. The event aims to seek new ways to strengthen research at film schools, enabling them to leverage their unique knowledge and skills to strengthen societal resilience in the face of polycrisis. Organized by La Fémis (Paris) and Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF (Potsdam).
Event schedule:
September 17, 2026, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm + Evening event, 6:00-9:00 pm
September 18, 2026, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Download detailed programme and Book of Abstracts
Participation in the conference is reserved for representatives of GEECT member schools.
