American Cinematheque’s “Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair” will screen films at the Aero Theatre while expanding to nearly 100 theaters worldwide.
American Cinematheque’s annual “Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair” film festival is returning this year with its most expansive lineup yet, growing from a Los Angeles program into a global theatrical event.
The fifth edition of the festival will take place in Los Angeles from June 1 through June 7 at the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, and Los Feliz 3, while partner screenings will be held throughout June at nearly 100 theaters across the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as in Canada, England, Scotland, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
Grant Moninger, Artistic Director of American Cinematheque, said, “Bleak Week is about different theaters in different communities all over the world, presenting to their audience distinct films about ultimately, what we all have in common. It is a global festival about themes that are universal”
Organized by the American Cinematheque, the festival focuses on influential films that explore darker themes in human history and society. Each participating venue curates its own lineup, highlighting works that examine despair, moral conflict, and the complexities of the human condition.
Chris LeMaire, Director of Programming at American Cinematheque, stated, “What’s especially exciting for us is the opportunity to work with programmers across the world. Every venue is curating their own lineup and speaking directly to their local audience, so we will get to see nearly 100 unique takes on our theme. In that sense, this global festival is not just a celebration of great films but a tribute to some of the greatest cinemas around the world and the incredible programmers that work there.”
Over the years, the festival has featured appearances by notable filmmakers and actors, including the late Hungarian director Béla Tarr, Al Pacino, Lynne Ramsay, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Mike Leigh, and Robert Eggers.
Ahead of the in-person screenings, Turner Classic Movies will broadcast a selection of films previously featured in the festival on May 31, serving as a lead-in to the theatrical program.
Festival organizers said the expanded international footprint reflects growing collaboration with independent theaters, film organizations, and exhibitors around the world. The effort has also drawn support from filmmakers who are working to bring the festival to their local markets.
Among them are Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sean Baker, known for “Anora,” “Red Rocket” and “The Florida Project,” and filmmaker Mike Flanagan, creator of “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Life of Chuck.” Both participated in last year’s Los Angeles festival and are part of a group of investors who helped save Vancouver’s historic Park Theatre from closure.
