A Season of Classics Films is a series of free film screenings and parallel activities across Europe designed to attract younger audiences to our shared cinematic cultural heritage. The programme looks to raise awareness of the work of European film archives, connecting the public with cinema history and the significance of film preservation. Most of the films are premiere digital restorations and some screenings include live performances and educational interactive sessions. All films are available with English subtitles. Additionally, French or other subtitles are in some cases available. This is an initiative of the Association des Cinémathèques Européennes (ACE) with the support of the EU Creative Europe MEDIA programme.
✨ ACE announced the full lineup for the sixth edition of A Season of Classic Films and revealed the recipient of the 2025 Joint Restoration Grant, at a special event during the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
This year’s screenings will take place between June and December 2025 in cinemas across Europe and online. Please check this page and follow ACE on social media for the latest news: Facebook / Instagram.
Check also out the ArteKino Classics 2026 programme – a selection curated by the ARTE Group in collaboration with ACE. These films have been meticulously restored, with many benefiting from ACE’s A Season of Classic Films.
Ivica Matić’s Woman with a Landscape / Žena s krajolikom and his five selected short films have now been restored and will be presented at an open-air screening as a special pre-festival event of the Sarajevo Film Festival on 13 August 2026. National premieres will follow in Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria, before the film starts circulating more widely.
After Death (A halál után, 1929, Alfréd Deésy), restored through the collaboration of the National Film Institute Hungary – Film Archive, the Cinémathèque royale de Belgique, and la Cinémathèque française with the support of ACE’s A Season of Classic Films, was named by Variety as one of the exemplary recent restoration projects in Hungary, highlighting how European cooperation is essential to preserving film heritage.
View the full A Season of Classic Films 2025 Programme (PDF)
4 June | Focus on Abi Feijó and Regina Pessoa | Portugal-France-Canada, 1985-2000, 43′
*world premiere restoration*
A tribute to Abi Feijó and Regina Pessoa, celebrating their legacy in Portuguese animation. Restored and presented by Cinemateca Portuguesa-Museu do Cinema. In collaboration with Plano Nacional do Cinema. With the presence of the filmmakers, including a guided tour at Casa Museu de Vilar.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (9-23 June)
10 June | Home Sweet Home | Belgium, 1973, 91′
*world premiere restoration*
Spirited rebellion of the elderly against rigid institutional care. Restored and presented by inémathèque royale de Belgique / Koninklijk Belgisch Filmarchief.
23 June | Bitter Rice / Riso amaro | Italy, 1949, 118′
*world premiere restoration*
Thieves on the run collide with the hard lives of Italy’s female rice workers. Restored and presented by Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna. Premiere screening during Il Cinema Ritrovato.
29 June | Palo’s Wedding / Palos Brudefærd | Denmark, 1934, 79′
*world premiere restoration*
A love triangle set in Greenland, with a script by polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. Restored and presented by Det Danske Filminstitut / Danish Film Institute.
21 September | Light and Shadow / Fény és árnyék | Hungary, 1943, 92′
*world premiere restoration*
A reflection on betrayal and resilience, in the third Hungarian feature film directed by a woman. Restored and presented by National Film Institute Hungary – Film Archive. During the Budapest Classics Film Marathon at the Toldi cinema. With introduction by NFI’s Director of Research and Collection Márton Kurutz.
EVENT DETAILS | BOOK YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET | WATCH ONLINE (23-30 September)
23 September | Hush-a-Bye Baby | Ireland – UK, 1990, 77′
*world premiere restoration*
15-year-old girl finds herself pregnant and isolated in 1980s Ireland. Restored and presented by the Irish Film Institute. In the presence of the filmmaker Margo Harkin.
23 September | Earth’s Poison / Erdgift | Germany, 1919, 97′
*world premiere restoration*
Beauty, control, defiance: an unconventional woman’s path portrayed in Weimar cinema. Restored and presented by the DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum. With new music score composed and performed by Richard Siedhoff (piano) and Mykyta Seroff (oboe).
27 September | Freedom or Death / Liri a Vdekje | Albania, 1979, 130′
*world premiere restoration*
A war drama centred on the Albanian resistance to the Ottoman Empire. Restored and presented by the Arkivi Qendror Shtetëror i Filmit / Albanian National Film Archive. In collaboration with the Tirana International Film Festival, the film will premiere at the Millennium theatre as the festival’s closing film. Actors Timo Flloko, Nikolla Llambro, Jorgaq Tushe, and other crew members will be present.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH TRAILER | WATCH ONLINE (27 September – 10 October)
2 October | Macedonian Blood Wedding / Македонска крвава свадба [Makedonska krvava svadba] | Yugoslavia, 1967, 102′
*world premiere restoration*
A drama about a young woman’s defiance and a village’s fight for justice. Restored and presented by the Кинотека на Република Северна Македонија / Cinematheque of the Republic of North Macedonia.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (2 October – 31 December)
20 October | The Young Arab Cinema / Caméra arabe | France-Tunisia-UK, 1987, 65′
*new restoration*
A journey through two decades (1967–1987) of Arab cinema and the politics that shaped it. Restored and presented by Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) – Direction du patrimoine cinématographique. Opening of the tribute to Youssef Chahine, at the El Gouna festival, and in the presence of the filmmaker Férid Boughedir.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE IN 2026 (TBC)
24 October | Curses of the Witch / Noidan kirot | Finland, 1927, 89′
*world premiere restoration*
Newlyweds fall under a centuries-old curse that haunts their home. Restored and presented by Kansallinen audiovisuaalinen instituutti / Finnish National Audiovisual Institute. Screening in Kino Regina (Helsinki) with new music and live accompaniment by the band Cleaning Women. Introduction by the institute’s deputy director Mikko Kuutti and programmer Tapio Riihimäki.
27 October | Mama / Mamma | Sweden, 1982, 91′
*new restoration*
A young film critic dreams of interviewing Jean Gabin and Jean-Louis Barrault and of one day directing a film of her own. Restored and presented by Svenska Filminstitutet / Swedish Film Institute. Tribute to Suzanne Osten, one of the most influential Swedish cultural personalities, who died last October.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE WITH SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH AND IN FRENCH (6 October – 31 December)
28 October | Bewitched Love / El Amor Brujo | Spain, 1967, 100′
*world premiere restoration*
Spanish drama based on Manuel de Falla’s iconic ballet, blending love, mystery, and flamenco. Restored and presented by Filmoteca de Catalunya. A musical premiere event at the Chomón theatre in Barcelona with pianist Chano Domínguez.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (18 November -17 December)
9 November | Experimental films of Vinko Rozman | Yugoslavia, 1967-1971, 47′
*world premiere restoration*
An exploration of Vinko Rozman’s contributions to Slovenian avant-garde cinema through a compilation of restored films. Restored and presented by Slovenska kinoteka / Slovenian Cinematheque. Introduction by film critic Robert Kuret. In collaboration with FeKK – Ljubljana Short Film Festival at the Slovenian nation-wide event Night of short films marking the International Day of Short Film.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (in Slovenia only as of 21 December)
14 November | Cheka Commissar Miroschtschenko / Tšekaa komissar Miroštšenko | Estonia, 1925, 105′
*world premiere restoration*
In 1920 Soviet Russia, a group of Estonians struggles with corruption and violence as they fight to relocate to their newly independent country. Restored and presented by Film Archive of the National Archives of Estonia. Premiere at the auditorium of the Kumu Art Museum in Tallinn. Part of the 10th Baltic Sea Region Film History Conference.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (in January 2026)
16 November | Ecce Bombo | Italy, 1978, 104′
*new restoration*
Nanni Moretti’s breakout film captures a generation caught between political ideals and existential boredom. Restored and presented by Fondazione Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (CSC) – Cineteca Nazionale. The screening is part of the Palladium Film Festival – CineMaOltre, in collaboration with the University Roma Tre. Introductions by Sergio Bruno, CSC’s Head of the Preservation and Restoration Area, Annamaria Licciardello, CSC’s Head of Cultural Diffusion Area, and film critic Mario Sesti.
17 November | Accidental Life / Slučajni život | Yugoslavia, 1969, 66′
*world premiere restoration*
The only film directed by Ante Peterlić, founder of Croatia’s first university film studies department. Restored and presented by Hrvatski državni arhiv – Hrvatska kinoteka / Croatian State Archive – Croatian Cinematheque. Opening words by Maja Peterlić (director’s daughter, journalist), Nikica Gilić (film historian) and Vjeran Pavlinić (restoration curator).
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (19-25 November)
19 November | Look, She Has Her Eyes Wide Open / Regarde, elle a les yeux grand ouverts | France, 1979, 114′
*world premiere restoration*
A militant film about abortion and childbirth outside the conventional medical system. Restored and presented by La Cinémathèque de Toulouse. In the presence of co-screenwriter Nicolle Grand. In partnership with the Municipality of Toulouse, which offers the venue at Espace des diversités et de la laïcité, and with Cave Poésie, which is organising a reading of a text by Annie Ernaux on abortion on 18 November in conjunction with the screening.
3 December | Sidetrack / Отклонение [Otklonenie] | Bulgaria, 1967, 80′
*world premiere restoration*
Years after parting ways, two former lovers confront what remains. Restored and presented by Българска национална филмотека / Bulgarian National Film Archive.
EVENT DETAILS | FACEBOOK EVENT | WATCH ONLINE (4-18 December)
4 December | Bitter Bread / Πικρό Ψωμί [Pikro Psomi] | Greece, 1951, 83′
*world premiere restoration*
A Greek neorealist film depicting the harsh post-war reality. Restored and presented by Ταινιοθήκη της Ελλάδος / Greek Film Archive. Two screenings at 19:00 and 19:15 as part of the 14th Athens Avant-garde Film Festival.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (4/12 at 21:00 – 7/12 at 21:00)
4 December | One Hundred Lei / O sută de lei | Romania, 1973, 102′
*world premiere restoration*
A portrait of teenage unrest and the yearning to be seen and loved. Restored and presented by Arhiva Nationala de Filme, Romania. The event includes a discussion with film restorer Răzvan Ungureanu.
EVENT DETAILS | BOOK YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET | WATCH ONLINE (18-25 December with password ACE)
10 December | Vlatko Filipović: A Documentary Selection | Yugoslavia, 1965-1989, 40′
*world premiere restoration*
A compilation of three documentaries by filmmaker and academic Vlatko Filipović, exploring themes of labour, nature, and social life. Restored and presented by Kinoteka Bosne i Hercegovine / Film Archive of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Restoration carried out in collaboration with Slovenska Kinoteka, Jugoslovenka Kinoteka, and Croatian State Archive – Croatian Cinematheque. The 3 shorts will be presented along Slike iz života udarnika (Life of a Shock Force Worker, 1972, Bahrudin ‘Bato’ Čengić), recipient of the 2022 Joint Restoration Grant, and the event will feature a talk with DoP Karpo Godina.
11 December | The Knife / Nož | Yugoslavia, 1967, 84′
*world premiere restoration*
Sophisticated crime thriller in 1960s Belgrade. Restored and presented by Jugoslovenska Kinoteka / Yugoslav Film Archive.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (21:00 CET on 11 December)
12 December | Our Years / I nostri anni | Italy, 2000, 90′
*world premiere restoration*
Former partisans Alberto and Natalino retrace their experiences of the Italian war of liberation against the Nazis. Restored and presented by Museo Nazionale del Cinema, Turin. Part of the 26th Sottodiciotto Film Festival & Campus. In the presence of director Daniele Gaglianone and screenwriter Giaime Alonge.
14 December | The Underground Orchestra / Het ondergronds orkest | The Netherlands, 1997, 108′
*world premiere restoration*
Captivating portraits of displaced people who defy their fate through music. Restored and presented by Eye Filmmuseum.
View the full A Season of Classic Films 2024 Programme (PDF)
22 June and 4 July / Madrid | Cut-Throats Nine / Condenados a vivir | Spain, 1971, 90′
*world premiere restoration*
A violent, gory ’70s film, cited as the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. Restored and presented by Filmoteca Española.
EVENT DETAILS | BOOK YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET – 22 June | BOOK YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET – 4 July
26 June / Bologna | The Protagonists | Italy, 1999, 92′
*world premiere restoration*
A faux experimental documentary reconstructing a motiveless murder in London. Restored and presented by Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna.
11 September / Rome | Quo vadis? | Italy, 1921, 69′
*world premiere restoration*
An unreleased Italian silent film. The restoration is a collaborative endeavour between the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, the AIRSC – Associazione Italiana per le Ricerche della Storia del Cinema and Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografico – Cineteca Nazionale.
22 September / Barcelona | Amateur Cinema to the Beat of Jazz / Cinema Amateur a Ritme de Jazz | Spain, 1928-36, 50′
*world premiere restoration*
A 50-minute selection of Catalan amateur films from the interwar period, accompanied by jazz music from the group Croscat Ramblers. Restored and presented by Filmoteca de Catalunya.
24 September / Tirana | The Captain / Kapedani | Albania, 1972, 96′
*world premiere restoration*
A satirical comedy about women’s role and societal changes in 1970s Albania. Restored and presented by Arkivi Qendror Shtetëror i Filmit / Albanian National Film Archive.
3 October / Frankfurt | Dagfin | Germany, 1926, 120′
*world premiere restoration*
A gripping tale of love, betrayal, and revenge from the German silent era. Restored and presented by DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum.
16 October / Stockholm | The Ingmar Inheritance / Ingmarsarvet | Sweden, 1925, 114′
*world premiere restoration*
An adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf’s influential novels, the film portrays the journey of farmers abandoning their homes to seek the Holy Land. Restored and presented by Svenska Filminstitutet / Swedish Film Institute.
EVENT DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE WITH ENGLISH OR FRENCH SUBTITLES
30 October / Lisbon | Glória | Portugal, France & Spain, 1999, 110′
*world premiere restoration*
A coming-of-age story set in the ever-changing Portuguese countryside. Restored and presented by Cinemateca Portuguesa-Museu do Cinema. In collaboration with Espalhafitas – Cineclube de Abrantes and the Municipality of Sardoal. With the presence of the filmmaker.
13 November / Amsterdam | Vigour / Kracht | The Netherlands, 1990, 100′
*world premiere restoration*
A rural drama about a female artist from the city who seeks refuge with a widowed farmer. Restored and presented by Eye Filmmuseum. Introduced by Leo van Hee, in the presence of director Frouke Fokkema.
17 November / Copenhagen | The Man Who Thought Life / Manden der tænkte ting | Denmark, 1969, 93′
*world premiere restoration*
Science-fiction film about the mysterious Mr Steinmetz, who has developed the ability to create things using only his mind. Restored and presented by Det Danske Filminstitut / Danish Film Institute.
1 December / Rome | Caliber 9 / Milano Calibro 9 | Italy, 1972, 104′
*world premiere restoration*
A captivating Italian noir film, in the footsteps of Jean-Pierre Melville’s classics, yet standing alone in its novelty. Restored and presented by Fondazione Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (CSC) – Cineteca Nazionale. Introduction by CSC Conservator Steve Della Casa, followed by a discussion between filmmaker Deborah Farina and researcher at Roma Tre Matteo Santandrea.
4 December / Brussels | 21:12 Piano Bar | Belgium, 1981, 102′
*world premiere restoration*
Nathalie seeks out individuals intimately acquainted with Florence to uncover the motivations behind her self-destructive tendencies. Restored and presented by Cinémathèque royale de Belgique / Koninklijk Belgisch Filmarchief.
6 December / Budapest | Sirius / Szíriusz | Hungary, 1942, 105′
*world premiere restoration*
Considered the first Hungarian science fiction film, Szíriusz introduces a revolutionary time machine. Restored and presented by National Film Institute Hungary – Film Archive. Introduction by NFI director György Ráduly and head of collection Márton Kurutz.
EVENT DETAILS | BOOK YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET | ONLINE ACCESS 11 – 31 DECEMBER
8 December / Tallinn | Colourful Dreams / Värvilised unenäod | USSR / Estonia, 1974, 62′
*world premiere restoration*
A mesmerising view of life through the adventures of five-year-old Kati. Restored and presented by Film Archive of the National Archives of Estonia. Introduction by film journalist Johannes Lõhmus.
EVENT DETAILS | BOOK YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET | ONLINE ACCESS 27 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY
12 December / Athens | Happy Day / Χάππυ Νταίη | Greece, 1976, 100′
*world premiere restoration*
Life (and death) in exile on a sun-scorched Greek island. Restored and presented by Ταινιοθήκη της Ελλάδος / Greek Film Archive. With the presence of the filmmaker Pantelis Voulgaris. Preceded by a roundtable discussion on ‘Digitisation, restoration and the future of European Film Archives’.
EVENT DETAILS | ONLINE ACCESS 12 – 19 DECEMBER WITH ENGLISH & FRENCH SUBS
12 December / Sofia | Sun and Shadow / Слънцето и сянката [Slantzeto i syankata] | Bulgaria, 1962, 66′
*world premiere restoration*
A humanistic tale of love against the looming threat of nuclear war. Restored and presented by Българска национална филмотека / Bulgarian National Film Archive. Introduction by director Kosta Bikov, author of two documentaries on Rangel Vulchanov.
EVENT DETAILS | ONLINE ACCESS 13 – 29 DECEMBER
13 December / Toulouse | Benito Cereno | Italy / Brazil, 1968, 77′
*world premiere restoration*
Based on Herman Melville’s 1855 eponymous novella, Benito Cereno dramatises a 1799 slave revolt on a Spanish ship. Restored and presented by La Cinémathèque de Toulouse Introduction by Francesca Bozzano, Director of Collections at the Cinémathèque, who will be accompanied by students from the Ciné-prépa course at the Lycée Saliège, explaining how the film was restored.
EVENT DETAILS | 18:30 at the Abattoirs museum
16 December / Zagreb | Meditative Shorts by Aleksandar F. Stasenko | Yugoslavia, 1977 – 1985, 63′
*world premiere restoration*
A glimpse into Aleksandar Stasenko’s poetic and contemplative cinematic oeuvre. Restored and presented by Hrvatski državni arhiv – Hrvatska kinoteka / Croatian State Archive – Croatian Cinematheque. Special cinema screening in the director’s birthplace in Split (Kinoteka Zlatna Vrata) and online access until 15 January.
EVENT DETAILS | ONLINE ACCESS UNTIL 15 JANUARY
20 December / Skopje | Miss Stone / Мис Стон [Mis Ston] | Yugoslavia, 1958, 97′
*world premiere restoration*
During the decline of the Ottoman Empire, two missionaries are kidnapped by rebels, sparking “America’s first modern hostage crisis”. Restored and presented by Кинотека на Република Северна Македонија / Cinematheque of the Republic of North Macedonia. Introduction by filmologist Aleksandar Trajkovski.
EVENT DETAILS | ONLINE ACCESS STARTING ON 20 DECEMBER
21 December / Dublin | Focus on Flora Kerrigan| Ireland, 1960 – 1965, 51′
*premiere restoration – cineconcert*
Rediscovered experimental films by Irish filmmaker Flora Kerrigan. Restored and presented by the Irish Film Institute. The programme will be accompanied by improvisational pianist Paul Smyth and double bass virtuoso John Edwards.
28 December / Belgrade | Traces of a Black Haired Girl / Tragovi Crne Devojke | Yugoslavia, 1972, 93′
*world premiere restoration*
A fatal journey through love, loss, and longing. Restored and presented by Jugoslovenska Kinoteka / Yugoslav Film Archive.
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard | The Veil of Happiness / Le voile du bonheur | France, 1923, 53′
*4K world premiere restoration*
A blind poet finds solace in the belief that the world is filled with goodness until his sight is suddenly restored. Restored and presented by Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) – Direction du patrimoine cinématographique. A special screening at the House of Georges Clemenceau with live music.
FILM AVAILABLE FOR LOANS
The winner of the 2023 Joint Restoration Grant A halál után (After Death, 1920, Hungary, dir. Alfréd Deésy) premiered in the Festival de la Cinémathèque on 17 March 2024.
For the European Heritage Awards 2023 Ceremony, Europa Nostra partnered with ACE and the European Commission (DG Connect) to highlight heritage excellence and best practices in Europe in the domain of cinema culture.
The film Slike iz života udarnika (Life of a Shock Force Worker, 1972, Yugoslavia, Bahrudin ‘Bato’ Čengić) that was awarded the 2022 joint film restoration grant premiered in the 80th Venice International Film Festival. The International Council of Museums (Slovenian branch) has recognised the collaborative efforts of this joint film restoration with its 2023 Award in the field of international cooperation.
View the full A Season of Classic Films 2023 Programme (PDF)
3 June | Donna: Women in Revolt / Donna: Vrouwen in Verzet | The Netherlands, 1980, 64′
*world premiere restoration*
A remarkable portrayal of 80 years of the women’s movement in Italy. Restored and presented by Eye Filmmuseum in collaboration with the Dutch Institute for Sound and Vision.
16 June | Boom Boom | Spain, 1990, 90′
*4K world premiere restoration*
A romantic comedy set in the pre-Olympic games Barcelona. Restored and presented by Filmoteca de Catalunya.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINK HERE (10 July – 6 August)
7 July | The Railroad Man / Il Ferroviere | Italy, 1956, 118′
*4K premiere restoration*
A universal story of a worker’s family in one of the last films of the Italian neorealism. Restored and presented by Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna.
26 July | Memento / Мементо | Yugoslavia, 1967, 95′
*4K world premiere restoration*
In a city destroyed by an earthquake, a young woman tries to reconcile with her tragic memories. Restored and presented by the Cinematheque of the Republic of North Macedonia.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINKS via YouTube and via Facebook
5 August | Waves of Passion / Kire lained | Estonia-Germany, 1930, 82′
*4K world premiere restoration*
Greed, adventures and passionate love across the Baltic Sea. Restored and presented by Film Archive of the National Archives of Estonia.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINK
16 September | Vilarinho das Furnas | Portugal, 1970, 77′
Documentary about the destruction of a Portuguese village to construct a dam. An open-air screening will take place near the location where the film was originally shot, followed by a weekly programme of educational activities and workshops. Restored and presented by Cinemateca Portuguesa-Museu do Cinema.
PROGRAMME DETAILS| WATCH ONLINE (17 September – 4 October, with subtitles in EN/FR/ESP/PT SDH)
4 October | Cursed Village / La aldea maldita | Spain, 1930, 57′
A mythical film in the history of Spanish cinema about family honour. Screening in partnership with the Escuela de Cine and local universities. Restored and presented by Filmoteca Española.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | Read about the October programming of ‘A Season of Classic Films’ in Madrid
27 and 28 November | After Midnight / Dopo Mezzanotte | Italy, 2003, 90′
The story of a love triangle between cinema, dreams and life, set in the iconic setting of the Mole Antonelliana. Two special screenings will take place during the 41st Torino Film Festival. The premiere screening on 27/11 will be attended by the director and the film’s actors. Restored and presented by Museo Nazionale del Cinema.
28 November | The Prisoner at the Karlsten Fortress / Fången på Karlstens fästning | Sweden, 1916, 64′
*international premiere restoration*
A thrilling drama about a sought-after bomb formula and a young maiden imprisoned at the Karlsten Fortress. Restored and presented by the Swedish Film Institute.
PROGRAMME DETAILS| ACCESS LINK in ENGLISH | ACCESS LINK in FRENCH
1 December | Educational Shorts on Traffic Safety | Yugoslavia, 1963, 43′
*world premiere restoration*
Three surprising educational shorts by the eccentric director, screenwriter and TV personality Nikša Fulgosi. Restored and presented by the Croatian State Archives – Croatian Cinematheque. Introduction by Juraj Kukoč, senior film archivist (Croatian Cinematheque) and Željko Luketić, historian of film and popular culture.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINK (as of 4 December)
4 December | The Sea / Морето [Moreto] | Bulgaria, 1967, 58′
*world premiere restoration*
The youthful romance between Zhana and Tony is put to the test after a fatal car accident, featuring some of the most popular actors in Bulgarian cinema. Restored and presented by the Bulgarian National Film Archive. Introduction by film experts Rosen Spasov and Angel Radev.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINK (5 – 19 December)
6 December | Red Poppies on the Walls / Lulëkuqet mbi mure | Albania, 1976, 94′
*4K world premiere restoration*
A group of orphan boys plot to get rid of their fascist orphanage director and cruel housemaster during World War II. Restored and presented by the Albanian National Film Archive.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINK (6 – 16 December)
12 December | The Outcasts | Ireland, 1982, 104′
*4K world premiere restoration*
An Irish folk horror tale about a young woman’s discovery of her own powers and her passage into a mystical world of imagination and beauty. Restored and presented by the Irish Film Institute.
15 December | The Legend of Doom House / Malpertuis | Belgium – France – West-Germany, 1973, 124′
*world premiere restoration*
A magical realism film brings the fallen gods of Olympus together in an old house somewhere in Flanders, featuring Orson Welles. Restored and presented by Cinémathèque royale de Belgique / Koninklijk Belgisch Filmarchief. The screening will be introduced by director Harry Kümel and members of the restoration team.
15 December | Slave Bird / Rabmadár | Hungary – Germany, 1929, 46′
*4K world premiere restoration*
An eventful night of love and betrayal telling the story of a young woman who is taken off to jail by mistake. Restored and presented by the National Film Institute Hungary – Film Archive.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | TRAILER | BOOK YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET | WATCH ONLINE (15 December, 19:00 CET)
16 December | I Remember You Leaving All the Time / Μια ζωή σε θυμάμαι να φεύγεις [Mia zoi se thimame na fevgis] | Greece, 1977, 45′
*4K world premiere restoration*
A love story set in the crucial transitional political period of the 1970s Greece directed by Frida Liappa, one of the most important Greek female filmmakers. Restored and presented by Ταινιοθήκη της Ελλάδος / Greek Film Archive.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (16/12 21:30 – 19/12 21:30 GMT+2, with subtitles in EN and FR)
17 December | The Merry-Go-Round / Der Reigen | Germany, 1920, 90′
*4K world premiere restoration*
After being thrown out of her family house, Elena (Asta Nielsen) starts a life of tormented relationships and sexual encounters. Restored and presented by DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum. With live music accompaniment by pianist Maud Nelissen. The event will be introduced by restorer Oliver Hanley.
20 December | Frame for Few Poses / Ram za nekoliko poza | Yugoslavia, 1976, 180′
*4K restoration in progress – educational screening with lecture*
A documentary presenting artisans and folk musicians from remote parts of the former Yugoslavia, accompanied by a musical commentary by the famous rock band of the Vranešević brothers. Restored and presented by Slovenska kinoteka. The event will offer an insight into the 4K working process of the restoration efforts of the Slovenian Cinematheque.
28 December | The Ambush / Zaseda | Yugoslavia, 1969, 76′
*world premiere restoration*
A classic Yugoslav black wave film, which explores the everlasting conflict between individual ethics and social conformity. Restored and presented by the Yugoslav Cinematheque – Yugoslav Film Archive. The event will be introduced by Jugoslav Pantelić, director of Jugoslovenska kinoteka.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | WATCH ONLINE (as of 28/12 at 21:00) | TRAILER
The Sultana of Love / La Sultane de l’amour | France, 1917, 88′
The tale of the tormented love of Princess Deoulah and Prince Mourad in a enchanting coloured version of early cinema. Restored and presented by Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) – Direction du patrimoine cinématographique.
Please check this page and ACE social media for access links and upcoming activities in cinemas and online.
View the full A Season of Classic Films 2022 Programme (PDF)
9-10 June | Face to Face / Πρόσωπο με Πρόσωπο [Prosopo me Prosopo] | Greece, 1966, 84′
*4K world premiere restoration*
Manthoulis played a crucial role in the renewal of Greek cinema in both documentary and fiction film. This film presents a bitter satire of the new bourgeoisie in the 1960s. Restored and presented by Ταινιοθήκη της Ελλάδος / Greek Film Archive.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINK
10-17 June | Blue 9 / Plavi 9 | Yugoslavia, 1950, 93′
A romantic comedy depicting adventures in the world of football with all the challenges and glory this game offers.
Restored and presented by Croatian state archive – Croatian cinematheque.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINK
25 June | The Conformist / Il Conformista | Italy, 1970, 108′
*4K world premiere restoration*
A film that changed everything: Bertolucci’s directing style, his personal way of recounting the past, of staging history. It had a unique influence on an entire generation of filmmakers. Restored and presented by Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna.
17 July | P.O. Box 1001 / Apartado de Correos 1001| Spain, 1950, 90′
A genuine example of 1950s Barcelona cinema noir. An echo of the Hollywood thrillers in the context of the Franco regime.
Restored and presented by Filmoteca de Catalunya.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINK
25 August | Character / Karakter | The Netherlands, 1997, 122′
In the Netherlands of the 1920s, a dreaded bailiff is found dead, with the obvious suspect being an ambitious young lawyer who worked his way up from poverty, always managing to overcome personal attacks against him. Restored and presented by Eye Filmmuseum.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & TO RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET
7 September | Vera Klichkova: Film Legacy of a Pioneering Ethnologist | Yugoslavia, 1954-1966, 79′
*world premiere restoration*
Three ethnology documentaries from the cinematic legacy of Vera Klichkova depict Easter customs in Greshnica, Rusalii dances in Miravci, and a traditional wedding in Mariovo. Restored and presented by the Cinematheque of the Republic of North Macedonia.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | WATCH THE RECORDED SCREENING HERE
8 September | Slovenian Experimental Classic Films | Yugoslavia and Slovenia, 1965-2013, 63′
*world premiere restoration*
These films were mostly created in the context of Kino Clubs in Yugoslavia where authors grew and formed their artistic film expression freely, without state interventions. Restored and presented by the Slovenian Cinematheque.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINK HERE
30 September | Manasse | Romania, 1924-1925, 54′
*world premiere restoration* Lelia Cohanovici, a young Jewish woman, wants to marry a Christian man, but finds opposition from her grandfather and peers. Restored and presented by Arhiva Nationala de Filme, Romania. There will be two simultaneous free cinema screenings with live music in Bucharest (cinema Eforie) and in Cluj-Napoca (cinema Victoria). The screenings will be followed by a Q&A session with Ruxandra Blaga, film restorer and archivist. A worldwide online premiere will follow (10-17 October).
RESERVE YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET HERE | ACCESS LINK HERE
11 October (Göteborg), 19 October (Stockholm), 1 November (Malmö) | With Reindeer and Sled in Inka Länta’s Winterland / Med Ackja Och Ren i Inka Läntas Vinterland | Sweden, 1926, 59′
*new restoration with live music*
One of the earliest feature-length films about Sámi, the indigenous people of Sweden. The film depicts the culture and everyday life of a Sámi family in a less exotifying manner than many similar films from its era. Restored and presented by the Swedish Film Institute.
PROGRAMME DETAILS FOR GÖTEBORG, STOCKHOLM, MALMÖ | WATCH ONLINE WITH ENGLISH OR FRENCH SUBTITLES
23 October | Change of Life / Mudar de Vida | Portugal, 1966, 94′
Representing the so-called Portuguese “New Cinema” period, Paulo Rocha’s film silently echoes the colonial war, with the story of a man who returns to his country and finds it difficult to reunite with his native village. Restored and presented by Cinemateca Portuguesa-Museu do Cinema. The screening will take place in collaboration with the Avanca cineclub at the Estarreja Cine-Teatro, very close to where the film was shot.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | RESERVE YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET
25 October | Janko the Musician / Janko Muzykant | Poland, 1930, 104′
*world premiere restoration*
One of the oldest preserved Polish films and an example of early European sound cinema. It tells the story of a boy who dreams of becoming a great violinist. Restored and presented by National Film Archive – Audiovisual Institute, Poland.
27 October | Corpses / Cada Ver Es | Spain, 1981, 81′
*world premiere restoration*
Radical and poetic approach to death through the testimonies of Juan M. Espada, assistant at the Anatomical Forensics Institute of Valencia, Spain. Restored and presented by Filmoteca Valenciana – Institut Valencià de Cultura.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & TO RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET
20 November | The Cruel Embrace / Les Noces barbares | Belgium, 1987, 99′
*national premiere restoration*
The adaptation of Yann Queffélec’s Prix Goncourt-winning novel about the painful relationship between a mother and her unwanted child. Restored and presented by the Cinematheque royale de Belgique / Koninklijk Belgisch Filmarchief.
RESERVE YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET HERE
13 December | The Balkan War / Балканската Война [Balkanskata Voyna] | Bulgaria, 1913, 55′
*world premiere restoration with live commentary*
A unique visual document of the Balkan Wars 1912-1913. The film will be contextualised by film historian Petar Kardjilov. The event will be recorded and uploaded on BNFA`s YouTube channel for free online access until 31 December 2022. Restored and presented by the Bulgarian National Film Archive.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINK
13 December | The Wall / Le Mur | France, 1966, 86′
*world premiere restoration*
Film adaptation of Jean-Paul Sartre’s novel about Spanish Civil War. Restored and presented by La Cinémathèque de Toulouse.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & TO RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET
14 December | Lotte Reiniger’s Early Work | Germany, 1919-1930, 108′
*premiere restoration with live music*
Lotte Reiniger (1899-1981) is the ‘Grande Dame’ of animation film and the creator of a multitude of silhouette films. This programme presents eight newly-restored films of her early work. Restored and presented by the DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & TO RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET
16 December | The Prague Executioner / Pražský Kat | Czechoslovakia, 1927, 99′
*world premiere restoration with live music*
A tale of a 17th century executioner, his son and the machinations of one robber baron. The film shines as one of the earliest examples of how cinema imagined the past. Restored and presented by Národní filmový archiv, Prague.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | TRAILER | ACCESS LINK
17 December | This Other Eden | Ireland/UK, 1959, 81′
*world premiere restoration*
The first Irish feature film directed by a woman; This Other Eden provides a satirical insight into Irish society of the 1950s. It touches irreverently on illegitimacy, Anglo-Irish relations, the wealth of the Church, and the relevance of the fight for independence to contemporary Ireland. Restored and presented by the Irish Film Institute.
21 December | Orpheus and Eurydice / Orfeusz és Eurydiké | Hungary, 1985, 90′
*world premiere restoration*
István Gaál’s opera film to the music of Gluck evokes the classical Greek myth in a series of breathtaking images. Restored and presented by National Film Institute Hungary – Film Archive. The film will be free-to-view online with worldwide access between 26 December – 1 January.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | RESERVE YOUR CINEMA TICKET | ACCESS LINK| TRAILER
25 December (online), 27 December (Tirana), 28 (Libohova) | Concert in the Year 1936 / Koncert në Vitin 1936 | Albania, 1978, 89′
*world premiere restoration*
A comedy about two young performers, a pianist and a singer, who arrive in a small town where they meet some unexpected resistance from the local authorities. Restored and presented by Arkivi Qendror Shtetëror i Filmit / Albanian National Film Archive.
PROGRAMME DETAILS (Tirana) | PROGRAMME DETAILS (Libohova) | ACCESS LINK | TRAILER BEFORE-AFTER RESTORATION
28 December | Klakson | Yugoslavia, 1965, 99′
*world premiere restoration*
The story of an unsuccessful attempt by a group of young people to escape the absurdity of civilization. Restored and presented by Arhiv Jugoslovenske kinoteke / Jugoslav Film Archive. Cinema screening in Belgrade on 28 December at 18:00. Online worldwide premiere with English subtitles on 28 December at 21:00 (Belgrade time).
PROGRAMME DETAILS | ACCESS LINK | TRAILER
29 December | Stolen Meeting / Varastatud Kohtumine | USSR, 1988, 97′
*world premiere restoration*
Valentina, an ex-convict, is determined to reunite with her 8-year-old son Jüri. Restored and presented by the Film Archive of the National Archives of Estonia. The film will premiere online on 5 January 2023 and will be available for free for one week.
PROGRAMME DETAILS | RESERVE YOUR FREE CINEMA TICKET | ACCESS LINK
View the full A Season of Classic Films 2020-2021 Programme (PDF)
Travel through Switzerland / Reise durch die Schweiz | Switzerland, 1920-1961, 102′
These unique short films offer an eclectic view of the past in different regions of Switzerland, from aviation pioneers in the 1920s to progressive women in the 1960s. The archived live streaming features an introduction about the films and piano accompaniment. Restored and presented by Lichtspiel / Kinemathek Bern.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINK
Summer Daydream: A Selection of Vintage Bulgarian Short Films | Bulgaria, 1926 – 1940, 70′
The films depict life in Bulgaria in the interwar period with a pinch of humour and take the viewers to an imaginary vacation in the Black Sea and the countryside. The archived live streaming features an introduction about the films and musical accompaniment by violinist Boyana Zhelyazkova and pianist Yasen Obretenov. Restored and presented by the Bulgarian National Film Archive.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINK
Sanz and the secret of his art / Sanz y el secreto de su arte | Spain, Maximiliano Thous and Francisco Sanz, 1918, 65′
An unusual hybrid between documentary and fiction displaying the manufacture and handling of animated human-like dolls, known as automata, and the fictitious adventures of Don Liborio. The archived live streaming features an introduction about the film and piano music by Arcadi Valiente Galbis. The film is restored and presented by Filmoteca Valenciana – Institut Valencià de Cultura.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINK
Discover Czech silent films from1891-1929
The selection includes some of the first movies shot in the Czech lands, Karel Lamač’s films and performances by Vlasta Burian and Anna Ondráková. Discussions on topics related to silent film and its presentation are also available. The films are restored and presented by the Czech National Film Archive with contemporary music.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINKS
A Quiet Summer / Мирно лето [Mirno Leto] | Yugoslavia, Dimitrie Osmanli, 1961, 99′
A young couple yearns for their summer peaceful retreat by the lake. Will they manage to escape from the very same faces they are trying to hide away? The archived live streaming features a mini-concert and an introduction about the film. Restored and presented by the Cinematheque of North Macedonia.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINK
Frosina / Фросина [Frosina] | Yugoslavia, Voislav Nanovic, 1952, 79′
Frosina, a single mother who suffered a lot in life and lost many children, faces the fear of losing her only surviving child in the fight for freedom… The film is restored and presented by the Cinematheque of North Macedonia.
PROGRAMME DETAILS & ACCESS LINK
PARTICIPATING FILM INSTITUTIONS 2025
PARTICIPATING FILM INSTITUTIONS 2024
PARTICIPATING FILM INSTITUTIONS 2023
PARTICIPATING FILM INSTITUTIONS 2022
PARTICIPATING FILM INSTITUTIONS 2020-2021
ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS
2025-06-04 | A SEASON OF CLASSIC FILMS 2025 OPENS WITH TRIBUTE TO PORTUGUESE ANIMATION
2025-06-01 | FANTASTIC FLOWERS: EARLY COLOUR CINEMA RESTORED THROUGH ACE’S JOINT RESTORATION GRANT
2025-05-19 | ACE LAUNCHES THE SIXTH EDITION OF A SEASON OF CLASSIC FILMS
2025-04-08 | ARTEKINO CLASSICS 2025 PROGRAMME
2024-06-22 | CONDENADOS A VIVIR IN FILMOTECA ESPAÑOLA
2024-06-18 | ARTEKINO CLASSICS 2024 PROGRAMME
2024-05-20 | ACE LAUNCHES THE FIFTH EDITION OF A SEASON OF CLASSIC FILMS
2023-05-19 | ACE REVEALS THE FOURTH EDITION OF A SEASON OF CLASSIC FILMS 2023
2023-03-20 | ARTEKINO CLASSICS 2023 PROGRAMME
2023-02-20 | PRESENTATION OF 2023 ARTEKINO CLASSICS DURING BERLINALE
2023-01-01 | A SEASON OF CLASSIC FILMS 2022 CLOSING TRAILER
2022-12-21 | PREMIERE OF OPERA FILM ORFEUSZ ÉS EURYDIKÉ ON THE LONGEST NIGHT
2022-10-28 | INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION DAY: SPOTLIGHT ON LOTTE REINIGER
2022-07-17 | ‘APARTADO DE CORREOS 1001’ (1950)
2022-06-25 | ‘IL CONFORMISTA’ (1970)
2022-03-29 | ARTEKINO CLASSICS: A NEW LOOK AT EUROPE’S FILM HERITAGE
2022-02-01 | ACE – ARTE PARTNERSHIP
2021-09-02 | TRAVEL THROUGH SWITZERLAND
2021-08-25 | ‘THE WAYWARD GIRL’ BY EDITH CARLMAR
2021-08-12 | PREMIERE OF THE RESTORED FILM ‘DERBORENCE’ (1985)
2021-06-28 | COMIZI D’AMORE BY PP PASOLINI
2021-06-27 | FISHERMEN AND FISHING (1961) – AN UNKNOWN GREEK MASTERPIECE
2021-06-22 | SEVEN SLOVENIAN SHORTS
2021-06-18 | ONE SONG A DAY TAKES MISCHIEF AWAY (1970)
2021-06-17 | SUMMER DAYDREAM – A SELECTION OF VINTAGE BULGARIAN SHORT FILMS
2021-06-15 | DUTCH NOUVELLE VAGUE: ‘A MORNING OF SIX WEEKS’ (1966)
2021-06-12 | PREMIERE OF THE RESTORED PORTUGUESE SILENT FILM ‘MARIA DO MAR’ (1930)
2021-06-11 | TWO NEW RESTORATIONS FROM THE CINEMATHEQUE OF NORTH MACEDONIA
2021-06-08 | CELEBRATING THE CINEMAS REOPENING IN BELGIUM
2021-05-23 | FIGHT FOR THE MATTERHORN (1928)
2021-05-17 | PREMIERE OF THE RESTORED ALBANIAN FILM ‘THE DEATH OF A HORSE’
2021-04-15 | SHE DIDN’T SAY NO! WORLDWIDE FREE PREMIERE ON THE IFI PLAYER
2021-04-08 | DISCOVER CZECH SILENT FILMS FOR FREE FROM APRIL TO JUNE
2021-02-05 | FREE WORLDWIDE SCREENING OF ‘SANZ AND THE SECRET OF HIS ART’
2020-10-27 | LIST OF FILMS: DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAMME CATALOGUE
2020-10-15 | THE NEW SEASON OF CLASSIC FILMS TO BE PRESENTED AT FESTIVAL LUMIÈRE
2020-08-31 | THE NEW SEASON OF CLASSIC FILMS TO BE PRESENTED AT IL CINEMA RITROVATO