Doc Around Europe Workshop at DocsBarcelona 2026

Inequalities, Diversity and Power in Audiovisual Festivals

Doc Around Europe Workshop at DocsBarcelona 2026

As part of the Doc Around Europe programme at DocsBarcelona 2026, representatives from all member festivals of the network came together for a workshop on inequalities, diversity and power structures within the audiovisual festival landscape.

Led by Maria Castellví Lloveras (Universitat Pompeu Fabra – Barcelona), the session focused on how festivals can actively contribute to building more equitable and inclusive working environments and programming practices. Through collective reflection and discussion, participants addressed structural challenges within the sector, including representation, labour conditions, access to visibility and diversity within decision-making processes.

One of the central conclusions of the workshop was the importance of diverse programming teams in shaping more diverse film selections and creating broader representation on screen. The discussions also highlighted the responsibility festivals hold as cultural gatekeepers and the potential they have to foster meaningful change within the audiovisual industry.

Beyond the workshop itself, the session created an open space for exchange between festival professionals from across Europe, encouraging dialogue on shared challenges and possible long-term strategies for more transparent, inclusive and sustainable festival structures.

Photos: Xavi Caparros