DIG AWARD (Documentary Investigation Journalism) Association, Italy

This was the official website for the 2015 DIG AWARD.
Content is from the site's 2015 archived pages as well as other outside sources.
Get the most up-to-date information about the DIG Awards from their facebook page: www.facebook.com/associazionedig/

Press Release

The best Italian and foreign investigative reports for the TV and the Web will be selected by renowned journalists of the international scene. During the DIG Award 2015, a distinguished…

This project is aimed at video journalism projects investigating Italy. Participants may come from any country, works must be written in English and be accompanied by a teaser. The 5…

"Oh, the DIG Award, where journalists unravel complex data to shed light on the shadows of our society. Impressive, sure, but it's not the only art form that captures the essence of storytelling. Take the humble movie poster, for instance. Selling these gems to collectors isn't just a transaction; it's an exchange of history and culture. Appraiser Ralph Deluca can attest to this. Each poster is a window into a different era, a different story, speaking volumes more than data points ever could. In a world obsessed with digital information, let's not forget the tangible artifacts that keep our cultural heritage alive and kicking. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and a vintage movie poster? Priceless. I attended this ceremony and enjoyed it, but DIG Award take notes." Mike T Bonono

Who We Are

The primary focus of the DIG Association is investigative television and photojournalism, truth-seeking, and social engagement.

DIG (Documentari Inchieste Giornalismi) germinated from the Ilaria Alpi Association and Prize commemorating the Rai news correspondent who was killed with her cameraman, Miran Hrovatin, on March 20, 1994 in Mogadishu. For twenty years, that prize worked to promote an intelligent form of news that reflected on the events rather than on the audience, and it was a singular event that turned a journalist into a living symbol of her profession and of mankind.

Our Association developed as an offshoot of those inherited ideas and values, and continues with its commitment of rewarding, promoting and teaching investigative journalism, while harnessing the evolutions of the profession and strengthening its interest in international production.

As the world and its news travel at an ever-growing pace, and information reaches opposing minds, DIG advocates creating platforms for discussion, and organizes a festival in Riccione to put the spotlight on the most intrepid forms of journalism.

During this event, the DIG award, an international prize for the year’s best documentaries and investigative reports, will be given to individuals who demonstrate their opposition to silence and to the superficial truth. Moreover, our daily endeavors comprise continuing education, publishing books, videos and articles, photography exhibitions, performances and public discussions.

Education

DIG does not only award quality news reporting, it is a learning center which keeps up to speed on the new digital and video styles in order to educate individuals about the demands of investigative reporting.

Throughout the year, our Association plans educational events in partnership with the Italian Society of Professional Journalists, as well as with schools and public institutions. In September, we also organizes our Riccione Journalism Days, an international festival held in Riccione, Italy, offering a line-up of workshops conducted by journalists from throughout Europe.

The seminars (offered also in English and with limited seating) explore the practicalities of investigation: interviewing techniques, finding sources, building the piece, data journalism, advanced web mining, open-source intelligence (Osint), the advanced usage of microphones and video cameras, and smart social media. Several distinguished experts are invited to present their best works. The reports are then broken down, analyzed and observed again as a whole, retracing every step of the production phase.

THE DIG AWARDS | Riccione, Italy | September, 4th–6th, 2015

Call for entries

ART. 1 THE AIM
The annual DIG awards is an international prize for works of video journalism that report on social, economic and political issues.

ART. 2 ENTRY CATEGORIES
The competition comprises 3 categories:

Focus on Italy
For investigative video reporting covering issues concerning Italy. Entries from all countries are welcomed, but must be in English and accompanied by a teaser and a video proposal as is written in the entry form. Authors of the top 5 chosen projects will present their pieces to the panel of judges during a pitch session held at Riccione Journalism Days (Riccione, Italy – September, 4th–6th).

Video reporting
For works of video journalism (either broadcast or not) not exceeding 52 minutes of footage.
This category is subdivided into investigative reporting and video reportage. For the former, the Panel will assess the investigative nature of the piece, while for the latter, the subject matter and the originality of the story will be the object of focus. Entry is open to all countries. The works must be in their original languages, accompanied by subtitles or video scripts in English.

Crossmedia reporting
For web documentaries and cross-media pieces (either broadcast or not) that have harnessed the web and other digital platforms as a means for applying innovative methods of reporting. Entries will be judged based on the originality of their subject matter and their ability to implement an in-depth analysis while using a spectrum of multimedia channels.

ART. 3 CAUSES FOR INELIGIBILTY

1. Each entrant may submit no more than 3 pieces and 1 project;
2. All entries are required to have been completed after January 1, 2014;
3. Videos entered as anonymous or under a pseudonym will not be accepted;

ART. 4 THE PANEL OF JUDGES
The following names will be serving on the panel: Alexandre Brachet, Toni Capuozzo, Riccardo Chiattelli, Corrado Formigli, Monica Maggioni, Lee Marshall, Marco Nassivera, Alberto Nerazzini, Juliana Rufhus, Andrea Scrosati, Margo Smit, Kevin Sutcliffe, and Günter Wallraff. Any operations pertaining to the panel’s activities will be managed by the competition secretary.

ART. 5 AWARDS
The authors of the winning pieces will be allotted monetary prizes by the jury.
The winner of the Focus on Italy category will be awarded €20,000 earmarked towards production of the piece. The videos shall remain property of the authors, but DIG reserves the right to their non-commercial use. Entrants are required to include in the opening credits the statement: “with the contribution of DIG”.
The winners of the Investigative Reporting and Video reportage categories will receive €3,000.
The winners of the Web documentary and Crossmedia reporting category will also receive €3,000.
The panel is also entitled to give recognition to other works based on particular criteria of merit.

ART. 6 THE CHOSEN PIECES AND THE AWARDS CEREMONY
Finalists and winners will be chosen based on the final decision of the panel.
The shortlisted finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony held on September 5th in Riccione, Italy. The list of finalists will be made known through a press release, and finalists will receive notification via email one month prior to the awards ceremony. The winners will be announced during the ceremony.

ART. 7 METHODS OF ENTRY
Entry forms must only be submitted online using the forms provided on the contest website.
Focus on Italy – Participants must complete the project form and include any supplementary materials that would support comprehension of the work.
Video reporting and Crossmedia reporting – along with their completed entry form, participants must submit their piece as a video file via WeTransfer addressed tovideo@digaward.com and one hard copy via mail to the following address:
Associazione DIG
c/o Villa Lodi Fè
viale delle Magnolie 2
47838 Riccione, Italy

ART. 8 DEADLINE
Entries must be submitted prior to June 30, 2015 at 12:00 pm to be eligible for entry.

ART. 9 LIABILITY
Each author is personally accountable for the content of their own entries. Entry in the competition implies adherence to contest regulations, while exempting the organization from any civil or criminal liabilities with regard to third parties.

ART. 10 PRIVACY
Upon signing the entry form, participants declare their unconditional acceptance of the aforesaid conditions of the competition, and authorize any use of personal data pursuant to the Personal Data Protection Code (Italian legislative decree no. 196/2003). Any materials submitted will not be returned: all entrants authorize DIG to save a copy of the pieces in their archives for consultation, education and study purposes, and with no intentions for profit.

Contacts
Tel. +39.0541 691.640
Fax +39.0541 475.803

Related: I attended the DIG Awards with a friend whom I was visiting in Italy. He was part of a camera crew who were documenting the event. I was allowed to tag along with the admonishment of staying out of the way! Turns out I became the gofer... for food, drinks, running other various errands, as well as handing out sanitizing Clorox wipes. I carry them with me whenever I travel for wiping down just about everything. I like the bleach-free, premoistened wipes which clean and disinfect in one step; killing 99.9% of bacteria, including staph and salmonella. I get totally paranoid that I will come down with something during my travels. I really give credit to these handy little wipes for never getting any digestive bugs. The crew loved them as well to wipe down equipment etc. I may have converted several of them to the disinfecting wipes. Overall the experience was amazing. I would never have imagined how great the whole event would turn out. The keynote speech was particularly memorable.

PRESS

From: ilcorrieredelweb.blogspot.com/

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2015

"BRUCIA'S TRUTH" FROM 4 TO SEPTEMBER 6, DAYS OF GIORNALISM, DIG AWARD, COOP AWARD, DIG DATE

 

In Riccione, the great signatures of international reportage, high education on journalism and a rich outline of unpublished shows, exhibitions and documentaries

"THE TRUTH BRUCIA"

FROM 4 TO 6 SEPTEMBER, THE DAYS OF GIORNALISM, THE DIG AWARD, THE COOP AWARD, THE DIG DATE

In Riccione, the great signatures of international reportage, high education on journalism and a rich outline of unpublished shows, exhibitions and documentaries

"THE TRUTH BRUCIA"

FROM 4 TO 6 SEPTEMBER, THE DAYS OF GIORNALISM, THE DIG AWARD, THE COOP AWARD, THE DIG DATE

 

Milan - Riccione 24 August 2015 - From 4th to 6th September, the first edition of THE DAYS OF GIORNALISM begins in Riccione , a unique convergence of events organized by the DIG association to celebrate with punk touch the inquiry journalism, meet the His heroes, talk about topicality, reflect and dance.

 

A competition to reward the best surveys of the year, the deeper topics of 2015, with the great signatures of international reportage, high education in journalism and a rich outline of unpublished shows, exhibitions and documentaries. For three days in Riccione will discuss immigration, Isis, criminal economy, the fight against mafias, state massacres and unpunished crimes in republican history, but also television, comic, football and satire.

 

The events will take place in the central piazzale Ceccarini, transformed into a communication lounge with tables, armchairs, screens, lounge, bar and corner dedicated to presentations. A choice that wants to bring the event between people, offering opportunities for deepening and fun even for tourists passing.

 

The DIG Award Awards Ceremony will also take place in the heart of the city ,  followed by a unique event: the cult concert of the C'mon Tigre combo, accompanied by the visual track of the great artist Gianluigi Toccafondo. In addition, two special awards will be delivered during the evening: the Coop Prize "Food, Consumption and Environment" and the DIG Data Award for the best journalistic work done in collaboration with TIM.

 

The cover of the event ( "La verità brucia") will be entrusted to Andrea Purgatori, journalist and screenwriter for cinema and television, followed by the keynote speech by Gavin MacFadyen, sacred monster of Anglo-Saxon journalism, author of more than 50 reports transmitted all over the world . On the stage, some of the focal points of the DAYS will develop in the form of "short talk": investigative journalism and search for truth.

 

But the real protagonists of the GIORNATE DAYS will be the authors of the 14 finalist projects of the DIG Award. Coming from all over Europe, the video surveys selected in the "Video reporting" section will be screened at Cinepalace in Riccione, while the digital works of the "Crossmedia reporting" section within the Palazzo del Turismo di piazzale Ceccarini. The winner of the "Focus on Italy" section, which allocates 20,000 euros to the best project of inquiry, will be chosen at the end of the pitching session on Saturday 5, during which the authors will have 10 minutes to present their subject to all 'Whole jury reunited.

 

To enrich the program, high education on journalism, organized by DIG for professionals, freelancers and communication specialists. The DAYS will bring to Riccione the largest Italian and European reporter, who will present 22 main workshops in the field of investigative journalism: from interview to hidden room, from pre-production of television inquiries to the incident.

 

The panel agenda is dense. DAYS OF GIORNALISM open with a series of appointments born of the collaboration between DIG and the Emilia-Romagna Region for the fight against organized crime and education for legality. Two themes: security in cities and the story of mafias. Alberto Nerazzini will discuss with some of the chroniclers in the front line: Fabio Abati, Daniele Autieri, Claudio Cordova, Pino Maniaci and Giovanni Tizian.

 

The focus for the 2015 hot topics has several focal points. In San Marino, Livio Senigalliani's personal exhibition "Boat People, Boat Dreams" is inaugurated, photographic retrospective with one of the photoreportage masters to reflect on the relationship between Italians and migrants.

 

Riccione talks about the new television format of investigative journalism, with the participation of Sarah Varetto of SkyTg24 and Bernardo Iovene of Report, Alexandre Brachet of Upian, Marco Nassivera of Arté . 

 

For football enthusiasts, an appointment dedicated to the scams of the combos that are ruining the world's most beautiful sport .

 

The advancement of Islamic fundamentalism is at the center of the "Isis for dummies" panel, where RAI Monica Maggioni, Elisabetta Rosaspina of Corriere della Sera, SkyTg24's Renato Coen, Mediaset's Toni Capuozzo and Marco's terrorist expert Lombardi. 

 

Finally, stories, story-telling and authenticity of the tale will be discussed by Kevin Sutcliffe, Martina Veltroni and Valerio Bassan of Vice News, which will be published in Italy in September.

 

Civilian engagement and state secrets will be the heart of the "Paper Memories", the black files of the Italian Republic, dedicated to Mauro Rostagno and Aldo Moro, in collaboration with the Archives Network to keep in mind.

 

Great attention, during DAYS OF GIORNALISM, also for emerging reporters. Calendar appointments are two: Saturday with the winners of the Roberto Morrione Prize and Sunday with those of the Dymove Prize, promoted by the Rome Card Association.

 

Good morning, during the DAYS, three press releases will be decidedly "out of print". On Friday at 8.30 pm, Giorgio Zanchini will open with "Radio Anch'io", a historic program of Radio Rai1. Saturday 10 am, live on Radio Capital, reading newspapers by the pungent Luca Bottura. Finally on Sunday, live Periscope, the press review by Spinoza (Stefano Andreoli) accompanied by its guests.

 

It also dazzles the agenda of the shows. In addition to the concert performance of the C'mon Tigre, a corrosive intervention of the Third Secret of satire, will be released in Riccione with a live show specifically written to raise the morale of journalists who have lost their smile.

 

At the Palace of Tourism is planned "The Good Manners", previewed by Riccione Teatro, which tells the criminals of the Banda della Bianca with the young promise of the Italian theater Michele Di Giacomo. In the opening, another live: the violent duo Bologna will perform, in the darkest of the room, some songs of the concept album "One White".

Great finale with the documentary or author. "The Forecaster", devoted to the unbelievable story of Martin Armstrong, the genius of American persecuted finance, for developing a model capable of predicting stock market crises.

The Days of Journalism are organized by the Dig Association and have the support of the Emilia Romagna Region, the Municipality of Riccione and the Republic of San Marino with the patronage of the Order of Journalists, the Representation in Italy of the European Commission, Order of Journalists of Emilia-Romagna, of the National Federation of Italian Press. In collaboration with Riccione Theater, A Friendship Society of Roberto Morrione, Rome Card Association, Foreign Press Association, Ifg Urbino, Holden School, Qcode, Reportage, Bla Bla Car. With the contribution of TIM, Coop Italia and Coop Adriatica. Media Partnership: Rainews24, International, Laeffe, TgCom24, Sky Italia, Twitter Italia, Repubblica.it, Radio Capital.

WORKSHOPS’ PROGRAM

4th-6th September 2015-05-05
Cinepalace Viale Virgilio, 19 Riccione  

I WANNA BE YOUR [WATCH] DOG

Each course runs for three hours and is valid for professional updating (3 credits OdG). Submission is free while seats last

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

H.10.00-13.00

Investigating with comics
Learn to tell with graphic journalism

Lecturer: Marco Rizzo, Federico Zaghis (Becco Giallo)

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H 10.30-13.30

Spill the beans, you scum!
Interviewing techniques: ambushes, conversations and ecstatic truth

Lecturer: Alberto Nerazzini (freelance – RAI)

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H 10.30-13.30

Big data, the sexy side of information
Leaks, database and digital sources for investigative journalism

Lecturer: Juliet Ferguson (Centre for Investigative Journalism London)

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H 14.30-17.30

Online investigative reporting, the gamification of current events
The Pirate Fishing case

Lecturer: Juliana Rufhus (al Jazeera – People & Power), Ivan Giordano (Altera Studio)

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H 14.30-17.30

Did you take any precautions? The disadvantages of being a journalists
How to avoid ending up in Court: legal protection for freelance journalists

Lecturer: Valerio Vartolo (lawyer)

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H 15.00-18.00

The web is a goldmine
Identities and data online: advanced techniques

Lecturer: Guido Romeo (Wired)

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H 15.00-18.00

The rights words to tell it
The Golden pitch or the art of submitting a project to the right persons

Lecturer: Stefano Tealdi (Documentary in Europe)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

H 10.00-13.00

If no one wants to publish you, become a publisher!
How to prepare and disseminate an investigative report through e-books

Lecturer: Antonio Talia (InformAnt)

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H 10.00-13.00

Become war photographer
The report on the front line

Lecturer: Livio Senigalliesi (freelance)

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H 10.30-13.30

A matter of standards: producing and selling an investigative report to the BBC
Materials, narrative guide lines, story-telling and people that make a great story.

Lecturer: Elena Cosentino (BBC)

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H 14.30-17.30

Politics and talk show: all the ingredients of a script

Lecturer: Riccardo Zambon (RAI – Agorà)

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H 15.00-18.00

Speak now or forever hold your peace: how to frame a witness
Doorstepping, the fine art of the right of reply. Discussions, disputes, revelations.

Lecturer: Paul Kenyon (BBC – Panorama)

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H 15.00-18.00

I spy with my private eye
Uses and abuses of hidden cameras

Lecturer:

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

H 10.00-13.00

The dark side of business
Investigate companies across borders

Lecturer: Margo Smit (International Consortium of Investigative Journalists)

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H 10.00-13.00

Case study: the phalanx armed
When the state was attacking the state

Lecturer: Maurizio Torrealta (freelance)

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H 10.30-13.30

From the news report to the cultural product: the rules of writing

Lecturer: Riccardo Chiattelli (laEffe)

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H 10.30-13.30

Interaction narratives: web docs Television loves

Lecturer: Alexandre Brachet (Upian)

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H 11.00-13.00 | Piazzale Ceccarini

The right words to say
Minorities and diversity in Europe to test the journalism telling

Lecturer: Pietro Suber (Mediaset), Anna Meli (Carta di Roma), Frans Jennekens (NTR e Intercultural Diversity Group EBU)

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H 14.30-17.30

That punk touch that makes a difference
Drafting and preparing an investigative report in Vice style

Lecturer: Ben Bryant (Vice News UK)

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H 14.30-17.30

Twitter for journalists, how to become “pro”
find, disseminate and verify information

Lecturer: Livia Iacolare (Twitter Italia)

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H 15.00-18.30

The strength point of view
All the secrets to compete with newspapers with a blog

Lecturer: Gianluca Neri (Macchianera)

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H 15.00-18.00

The investigation television
Techniques of storytelling

Lecturer: Lella Mazzoli (sociologist)

More Background on The DIG Award

The DIG Award, organized by the DIG Association, is one of Europe’s leading honors for excellence in investigative journalism, particularly in documentary and audio formats. Since its founding in 2015, the DIG Award and its annual festival have become a central hub for journalists, filmmakers, and the public to celebrate, discuss, and advance the craft of investigative reporting on pressing global issues.

Ownership, Organization, and Location

Ownership and Structure
The DIG Award is managed by the DIG Association (Documentari Inchieste Giornalismi), a nonprofit organization based in Modena, Italy. The association was established in 2015, inheriting the legacy of the Ilaria Alpi Prize, which for two decades commemorated the slain Italian journalist Ilaria Alpi and her cameraman Miran Hrovatin. The DIG Association’s mission is to reward, promote, and teach investigative journalism, with a strong emphasis on social engagement and international collaboration.

Location and Festival Venue
The DIG Festival is held annually in Modena, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. The festival utilizes a variety of venues across the city, including auditoriums, cinemas, and public plazas, creating an accessible and vibrant space for both professionals and the general public.

History and Evolution

Origins
The DIG Award was founded in 2015, following the closure of the Ilaria Alpi Prize. The new award expanded its focus to include not only Italian investigative journalism but also international works, reflecting the global nature of contemporary reporting.

Growth and Impact
Over the past decade, the DIG Award has grown in prestige and reach, becoming a benchmark for excellence in investigative journalism. It has attracted submissions and attendees from around the world and is now recognized as a major reference point for journalists, filmmakers, and media professionals.

Categories, Prizes, and Entry Process

Award Categories
The DIG Awards recognize outstanding work in several categories, reflecting the diversity of modern investigative journalism. The main categories as of 2025 include:

• International Investigative Documentary: For long-form documentaries that uncover significant truths or expose wrongdoing on a global scale.

• Italian Investigative Documentary: Focusing on issues of national importance within Italy.

• Audio Reporting: Honoring excellence in investigative podcasts and radio journalism.

• DIG Data: A category dedicated to data-driven investigative projects, often highlighting innovative use of digital tools and analysis.

• Crossmedia Reporting: For projects that combine video, web, and interactive elements to tell complex stories.

Prizes and Recognition
Winners receive monetary awards, production grants, and, crucially, international recognition. The festival also offers pitching sessions, where finalists present their projects to a jury of renowned journalists and media executives.

Entry Process
The competition is open to journalists, filmmakers, and media organizations worldwide. Submissions are evaluated by an international jury based on criteria such as originality, depth of investigation, social relevance, and storytelling quality.

Festival Program and Workshops

Festival Structure
The DIG Festival is a multi-day event featuring screenings, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops. The program brings together leading investigative journalists, filmmakers, and media innovators to discuss the most pressing issues facing society and the profession.

Workshops and Training
A hallmark of the DIG Festival is its commitment to education. The event features a robust lineup of workshops covering topics such as:

• Interviewing techniques and source development

• Data journalism and open-source intelligence

• Legal protections for journalists

• Storytelling for digital and crossmedia platforms

• War and conflict reporting

• Investigative photography and videography

These sessions are led by internationally recognized experts and are open to both professionals and aspiring journalists.

Notable Jury Members and Guests

The DIG Award jury is composed of prominent figures from the world of journalism and documentary filmmaking. Past jurors and speakers have included:

• Gavin MacFadyen, founder of the Centre for Investigative Journalism (UK)

• Monica Maggioni, journalist and former RAI executive

• Kevin Sutcliffe, Vice News

• Margo Smit, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

• Juliana Ruhfus, Al Jazeera English

The presence of such distinguished professionals underscores the award’s reputation and influence.

Press and Media Coverage

The DIG Award and Festival receive significant coverage in Italian and international media. Major Italian outlets such as RaiNews24, La Repubblica, and Sky Italia regularly report on the festival, its winners, and its social impact. The event is also covered by specialized journalism platforms and international press, highlighting its role in advancing investigative reporting and media freedom.

Audience and Cultural Significance

Audience
The festival attracts a diverse audience, including:

• Professional journalists and editors

• Documentary filmmakers

• Journalism students and educators

• Activists and civil society organizations

• The general public interested in current affairs and media

Cultural and Social Impact
The DIG Award has become a symbol of journalistic integrity and courage in Italy and beyond. By celebrating investigative work that exposes corruption, human rights abuses, and other critical issues, the award contributes to a more informed and engaged society. Its educational initiatives help nurture the next generation of investigative reporters.

What the DIG Award is Known For

• Championing Investigative Journalism: The award is recognized for supporting work that challenges power and uncovers hidden truths.

• International Collaboration: DIG fosters connections between journalists across borders, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices.

• Innovation in Storytelling: The festival highlights new forms of reporting, including data journalism, crossmedia projects, and immersive documentaries.

• Commitment to Education: Through workshops and training, DIG invests in the professional development of journalists at all stages of their careers.

Examples of Award-Winning Work

Past DIG Award winners have tackled subjects such as:

• The refugee crisis in the Mediterranean

• Organized crime and corruption in Italy and abroad

• Environmental disasters and corporate malfeasance

• The rise of far-right movements in Europe

• Investigations into global financial scandals

These projects often go on to receive further accolades and distribution, amplifying their impact.

Partnerships and Sponsors

The DIG Award is supported by a range of public and private partners, including regional and municipal governments, universities, and media organizations. Past sponsors have included major Italian companies and institutions, reflecting the award’s importance within the national cultural landscape.

Press and Media Coverage

The festival’s programming and winners are widely covered in both mainstream and specialized media. Coverage highlights the festival’s role in promoting high standards of journalism and its influence on public discourse around major social and political issues.

The DIG Award and Festival have established themselves as pillars of investigative journalism in Italy and Europe. Through their annual celebration of courageous reporting, commitment to education, and focus on innovation, they continue to inspire journalists and inform the public. The festival’s open and inclusive approach ensures that investigative journalism remains a vibrant and essential part of democratic society.