The documentary "Off the Archeological Record" awarded at the FICAB 2025
The documentary Off the Archeological Record, produced by the UAB and the Pastwomen network, received the EITB Award for gender perspective in the 25th edition of the recently held International Archaeological Film Festival of the Bidasoa (FICAB). The jury awarded the film for its detailed treatment of the experiences of several generations of women archaeologists.
The documentary Off the Archeological Record was previewed as part of a PhD research project by Paloma Zarzuela, a predoctoral researcher in training at the Department of Prehistory. Directed by Katia Calmet, the documentary explores the past of the discipline from a gender perspective, focusing on the discrimination, inequalities and professional challenges that have marked the careers of many archaeologists. It does so through the testimonies of seven young and senior archaeologists who work in different fields: at university, in public administration, in museums and in the private sector. The work analyses issues such as precariousness, work-life balance, leadership opportunities, and persistent obstacles to professional progression.
Over the past year, the documentary has been screened in more than fifty venues (universities, research centres, museums, and civic and cultural centres) that have attracted more than 2,000 attendees. After the preview at the UAB and the official presentation at the National Archaeological Museum in January 2025, a tour of screenings began throughout the territory, often accompanied by round tables with the director, participants, and other specialists. Its screening at the 2025 edition of FICAB, the only archaeological film festival in Spain and an international benchmark in scientific dissemination, closed this annual itinerary.
The FICAB recognition consolidates Off the Archeological Record as a reference work in the dissemination of gender perspective within archaeology. The award reaffirms the importance of giving voice to the experiences of professionals in the sector, and of promoting a critical and inclusive perspective in the construction of the history of archaeology. The documentary was produced with the support of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Government of Catalonia.