Firenze Archeofilm 2026: five days of cinema focused on archaeology

Firenze Archeofilm 2026: the festival

Firenze Archeofilm returns with a programme that highlights the connections between cinema and archaeological research. From March 11 to 15, Cinema La Compagnia in Florence hosts screenings and discussions showcasing excavations, ancient civilizations and field research through documentaries and short films.

Program and format

The event, now in its eighth edition, offers an international selection designed to blend scientific communication with cinematic storytelling. The lineup includes documentaries, shorts and premieres from multiple countries, focusing on archaeological sites and discoveries.

Practical information

• Dates: March 11–15, 2026
• Venue: Cinema La Compagnia, Florence
• Edition: 8th
• Program: about 80 films from 19 countries
• Admission: free of charge

Themes and highlights

Topics range from major ancient civilizations — including productions on Ancient Egypt — to archaeological interventions discovered during modern urban works, such as excavations linked to Rome's metro construction. The festival also highlights regional research in Tuscany, featuring documentaries on Etruscan sites and excavations like the sanctuary at San Casciano dei Bagni.

Talks and side events

Alongside screenings, the festival schedules talks and roundtables with filmmakers, archaeologists and scholars to foster dialogue between cinema professionals and researchers. Sessions will address research methods, excavation techniques and the cultural impact of archaeological finds.

University involvement

The programme engages the academic community: a jury of 100 students from the University of Florence will award the prize for best short film, encouraging collaboration between research and young audiences.

The festival offers the public an accessible way to engage with archaeology and heritage protection through visual storytelling, with free access to screenings and talks.