Five Projectionists’ Workshops organised across Europe in 2026 brought together cinema professionals to strengthen practical skills in analogue film projection, promote the exchange of expertise, and support the continued preservation and public presentation of film on analogue formats. Below is a summary of the workshops held to date.
Châteauroux/Issoudun, France | 23-24 March 2026
The first of five projectionists’ workshops co-funded by ACE and FIAF in the first half of 2026, this two-day event was held at the Cinema Apollo in Châteauroux and at Ciclic Centre-Val de Loire’s Heritage Department in Issoudun. Its sessions covered all aspects of 35mm and smaller-gauge analogue film projection, with special considerations for the optimal conditions of a public screening as well as supporting preservation aims. It welcomed 17 participants, all practicing projectionists in commercial cinemas or festivals. The workshop was a collaboration between Ciclic Centre-Val de Loire (FIAF Associate), la Scène nationale Equinoxe and the Fédération des cinémathèques et archives de films de France (FCAFF).

Stockholm, Sweden | 28-31 May 2026
The Swedish Film Institute organised a workshop for projectionists in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) and Estonia with a focus on analogue film projection from 28 to 31 May at its premises (Filmhuset) in Stockholm. A total of 15 participants were selected: 8 from Sweden, 3 from Norway, 2 from Estonia, and 2 from Finland. The workshop was preceded by an online preparatory programme in April, complemented by selected readings. The four-day, hands-on workshop in Stockholm provided participants with practical training in film inspection, projection using different sound systems, and changeover projection in 16mm, 35mm, and 70mm formats. It also included a workshop on portable 8mm and 16mm projection, as well as sessions on projector mechanics and maintenance. In the concluding discussion, participants were interested in developing strategies to ensure that analogue film projection remains a vital and sustainable part of cinema culture in the Nordic countries.

Düsseldorf, Germany | 30-31 May 2026
On 30 and 31 May, the Filmmuseum Düsseldorf hosted a two-day intensive workshop dedicated to analogue film projection and the handling of historical film materials. The first day focused on analogue film projection, opening with a lecture by Thomas Pfeiffer (Kinemathek Hamburg) on the history of 16mm film. Participants then had the opportunity to work hands-on with a wide range of 16mm and 35mm projectors. The second day focused on archival practice. In the Filmmuseum Düsseldorf’s film archive, 14 participants explored the characteristics of historical film materials, their proper handling, and the conservation challenges involved in their long-term preservation. The workshop provided a valuable platform for professional exchange and the development of practical skills related to analogue film culture.

Bern, Switzerland | 10-11 June 2026
On 10 and 11 June at Lichtspiel / Kinemathek Bern and the Rex cinema, 16 projectionists had the opportunity to refresh their knowledge, improve their handling of film prints and gain valuable insight into the maintenance of cinema equipment. Participants were able to try out various pieces of equipment and immerse themselves in the dual-projector cinema experience. The workshop for the Swiss trainees, in simultaneous translation in German and French, was organised by Lichtspiel / Kinemathek Bern in collaboration with Cinémathèque suisse.

Berlin, Germany | 22-24 July 2026
This Projectionists’ Workshop, held in German and English, is being organised by the Arsenal Filminstitut. Initially due to take place in May 2026, the workshop was postponed until July because of the priority given to the opening of the new Arsenal cinema in early May.
Projectionists’ Workshops 2026-2027
The strong interest and positive feedback from participants confirmed the continuing demand for specialised training in analogue film projection. Building on the success of this year’s programme, a new round of Projectionists’ Workshops co-funded by ACE and FIAF for 2026-2027 was officially announced during Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna.







