12/09/2016 - The programme is jam-packed with pitching sessions, labs, talks and networking; it will also include the first preview of Liberami, crowned Best Film in Venice's Orizzonti section

IDS Academy - Italian DOC Screenings, created and staged by Doc/it - Associazione Documentaristi Italiani, is returning to Palermo from 12-16 September 2016. It is the most important training and networking rendez-vous aimed at the world of Italian documentary, and is a chance for international professionals to get together to promote projects and aid professionals wishing to gain access to the global audiovisual market.

IDS Academy presents a jam-packed programme of pitching sessions, labs, talks and networking, as well as being a showcase for films having their national premieres, after being selected and awarded at major international festivals. Things kick off on 12 and 13 September with preparatory workshops at the Main Event IDS Academy, followed by open sessions for presenting projects and talks on the Expanded Documentary: the topics covered range from interactive titles to 360° virtual reality, from gaming to augmented reality, and from animated to transmedia documentary. Among the names of the experts taking part (including producers, distributors and consultants) are Massimo Arvat, of Zenit Arti Audiovisive; Jan-Dirk Bouw, of JDB Films Netherlands; Sabine Bubeck-Paaz, of ARTE/ZDF; Jörg Grossman, of Greenfilm Ltd; Mike Lerner, of Roast Beef Productions UK; Bruno Smajda, of Mobile Film Festival and Cross Video Days; Simone Catania, of Indyca; Caterina Mazzucato, of I Wonder Pictures; Markus Nikel, a consultant at RAI; and Francesco Virga, of MIR Cinematografica.

There will also be a film festival open to the general public, free of charge, which will be opened by Sponde. Nel sicuro sole del Nord, in the presence of its director, Irene Dionisio. This will be followed by the national premiere of Becoming Zlatan by Fredrik and Magnus Gertten, which has been shortlisted for the European Film Awards and will be introduced by Gertten and producer Simone Catania. The theatrical release, via Indyca-01 Distribution, is slated for 14 and 15 November.

Fresh from the 73rd Venice Film Festival, where it pocketed the Best Film Award in the Orizzonti section, the eagerly awaited Liberami [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] by Federica Di Giacomo will get its first preview. Proceedings will be brought to a close by the Italian premiere of an international documentary by a true maestro of cinema, Werner Herzog: Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (which hits screens on 6 October, courtesy of I Wonder Pictures).

(Translated from Italian)