Join the Dig Festival 2026 in Modena as it delves into critical global issues through investigative journalism and compelling documentaries.
The Dig Festival 2026, themed “Bella Ciao” is set to take place from September 23 to 27 in Modena, Italy. This year’s edition focuses on the compression of democratic debate and the intricate relationship between journalism, power, and digital platforms.
The festival will explore pressing global issues such as new fascismshuman rightsclimate crisis and organized crime through a series of talks, documentaries, and musical performances.
The festival’s program includes over 100 events spread across five days, featuring 30 talk shows with prominent figures in communication and journalism.
Among the notable guests is Francesca Albanese the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories. The festival aims to foster a deep dialogue on the role of journalism in today’s complex world.
The Heart of the Festival: DIG Awards and Documentaries
The DIG Awards are a cornerstone of the festival, showcasing 25 finalists selected from over 300 submissions. These documentaries span various categories, including ShortReportage and Investigative Medium and Reportage and Investigative Long. The awards will be decided by an international jury composed of esteemed authors and producers from leading investigative journalism and documentary fields.
This year, the festival is honored to have Igor Bezinović the acclaimed Croatian director of “Fiume o morte!” (2026) as the President of the Jury. Bezinović’s documentary has garnered international acclaim, winning prestigious awards such as the Tiger Award and the FIPRESCI Award at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, and the best documentary award at the European Film Awards. His work delves into the forced annexation of Fiume by Italy in 1924, offering a poignant perspective on fascist rule through archival footage and historical reenactments.
Engaging Talks and Musical Performances
The festival will host 30 public talks featuring renowned national and international speakers. Collaborations with global journalism entities like the BBC and Journalismfund will enrich the discourse. Among the anticipated speakers are Anna Foa a historian specializing in Jewish history and the Holocaust, and Paola Caridi a journalist and historian known for her work on contemporary Arab politics. Other notable participants include Marco D’EramoChristian Raimo and Wu Ming 1 who will share their insights on various critical topics.
In addition to the talks, the festival will feature three evenings of music in the historic Chiesa di San Carlo. The cinema program will include screenings of the finalists’ documentaries at the Cinema Astra offering attendees a comprehensive experience of investigative journalism and cinematic storytelling.
The DIG Pitch: Supporting Emerging Talent
The festival also introduces the DIG Pitch “Matteo Scanni” a unique award offering up to 15,000 euros to support a documentary in development or production. This initiative aims to nurture emerging talent in investigative journalism. The live session where ten final teams present their projects is scheduled for the morning of September 25, providing a platform for innovative storytelling.
The Dig Festival 2026 promises to be a vibrant celebration of investigative journalism, offering a platform for critical discussions and the showcasing of compelling documentaries. Through its diverse program of talks, screenings, and musical performances, the festival aims to inspire and engage audiences in the ongoing dialogue about the role of journalism in society.
