The programme is composed of three sections:

• The first section consists of five teaching modules and several workshops and film screenings that combine human rights expertise and cinema studies. The objective of this section is to provide participants with a framework for analysis that can be applied during the second and third sections for the purposes of reviewing relevant films at the Venice Film Festival and writing a final project. Teaching modules develop issues relating to:
  - the universal declaration of human rights 
  - a history of human rights cinema
  - the role of the media in period of conflict
  - freedom of expression and censorship
  - the use of video in human rights advocacy
  - producing social documentaries
  Each module is illustrated by screenings of documentaries and/or films.
• The second section of the School is devoted to watching and analysing human rights related films in the selection of the Venice Film Festival (Venice Film Festival Pass* is provided by the school) . Whenever possible, filmmakers, jury members and critics from the cinema world present at the Film Festival are invited to participate in discussions with the summer school participants. 
• In the third section, film or documentary treatments or essays prepared during the School are presented for discussion by participants, who upon completion are awarded a certificate. 

* Students who are industry professionals may be permitted by the Venice Biennale to upgrade their pass accreditation to Professional status at extra cost. This gives them priority access to some film screenings and timeslots.

The programme of the fifth session is still subject of complement and confirmation. 2008 programme.

A certificate will be awarded to participants that attend a minimum of 80% of the Summer School sessions and complete their individual project in a satisfactory way.

Academic institutions are encouraged to reward participation in the school by 5 ECTS credits.

The language of instruction is English.