Tag: Workshop

16 July 2026

Projectionists’ Workshops 2026: Strengthening Analogue Film Projection Skills

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).

Projectionists’ workshop at Ciclic Centre-Val de Loire, Issoudun, 24 March 2026.

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.

Projectionists’ workshop at SFI’s Filmhuset in Stockholm.

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.

Projectionists’ workshop hosted by Filmmuseum Dusseldorf at the Black Box Cinema, 30 May 2026.

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.

Lichtspiel / Kinemathek Bern’s David Landolf with the participants of the workshop in Bern. Photo: Raff Fluri.

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.

30 June 2026

Projectionists’ Workshops 2026-2027

Applications for funding are open until 10 September!

ACE/FIAF-funded projectionists’ workshop in Bern, June 2026. Photo: Raff Fluri.

Following the success of the first two years of this scheme, the ACE and FIAF are once again joining forces to support ACE Members and/or FIAF affiliates seeking to strengthen and promote the knowledge and practice of analogue film projection. The Projectionists’ Workshops initiative is based on a shared commitment to keeping this craft alive by providing current and future projectionists with opportunities to learn, exchange experience, and build professional networks.

So far, nine workshops have been funded through this scheme – in Brussels, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Budapest, Châteauroux/Issoudun, Düsseldorf, Stockholm, Bern, and (soon) Berlin. ACE and FIAF have now decided to fund four more workshops over the coming year.

Each selected workshop will receive a total of 2,000 EUR in joint funding from ACE and FIAF to support the organisation of a short Projectionists’ Workshop aimed at practising professionals and motivated participants. Workshops should primarily attract participants from the same region or language area, both for participants’ convenience and to minimise long-distance travel. The financial contribution from the ACE and FIAF can be used for honoraria for invited experts/instructors, production of educational materials, accommodation, travel costs, and meals.

Workshops should focus on exchanging knowledge and best practices, on topics such as repairs and maintenance, suppliers of equipment and spare parts, and professional networking among projectionists. The workshops should also be open to projectionists not (yet) working for an archival cinema.

How to apply?

Please include the following information in your application:

Name of the organising institution
Region/language of the workshop
Contact information of responsible person(s)
Place of the workshop
Dates of the workshop
Hours of the workshop per day/proposed schedule
Number and profiles of the instructors
Maximum number of participants your workshop can host
Estimated itemised budget
Please describe the specific aims, content, and structure of the workshop you propose to host
Basic description of the projection equipment used during the workshop

Applications must be sent by email to projectionists@fiafnet.org by 10 September 2026. Please make sure you address all the points listed above. Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by representatives of FIAF and ACE. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of September 2026. The selected workshops are expected to take place by May 2027. Upon completion of the workshop, a written report must be submitted to ACE and FIAF.

Evaluation criteria:

Completeness of the application
Clarity of the aims and content of the proposed workshop
Adequacy of the premises and equipment
Affordability of the event for the hosting institution
First-time applicants are particularly encouraged

Grant and Reporting:

Each selected workshop will receive a total of 2,000 EUR in joint funding from ACE and FIAF. Following the workshop, the hosting institution must submit a written report and photos of the event to projectionists@fiafnet.org no later than two months after the workshop has taken place. The report will also help ACE and FIAF evaluate the impact and effectiveness of this joint initiative.

For institutions based outside Europe: FIAF’s Training and Outreach Programme has begun discussing the possibility of extending this scheme to other regions of the world before the end of the year. If your institution would be interested in hosting such a workshop, please contact us at training@fiafnet.org.

If you have any comments or questions about the ACE/FIAF-funded projectionists’ workshops, please email projectionists@fiafnet.org.

14 April 2026

Projectionists’ Workshop in Sweden: 28-31 May 2026

Regional Capacity Building in the Nordic countries and Estonia for Film Projection

The goal of the workshop is to share and keep alive the knowledge and practice of analogue film projection in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) and Estonia. The workshop is aimed at projectionists with some experience in handling and projecting analogue film.

A preceding online distance learning programme will provide a theoretical understanding of a variety of topics related to analogue film and its theatrical presentation (film formats, sound systems, projector mechanisms, etc).

During the workshop participants will receive a 35mm hands-on film projection training, which includes handling analogue film prints, threading a projector, performing change-overs and more.

The hands-on workshop will take place at the Film House/Filmhuset, located in the city of Stockholm (Borgvägen 1-5, Cinemas). The projection booth at the training location is equipped with Philips DP70 for 35mm and 70mm film, Kinoton FP-38E for 35mm and 16mm film, as well as Kinoton FP18 for 16mm film.

For any questions, contact: projectionistworkshop@filminstitutet.se

 Update – list of selected participants:

Name	Surname	Cinema / Institution	Country
Kari-Helene	Blystad	Vega Scene, Oslo	Norway
Vinay	Chambore	Cinemateket, Bergen	Norway
Axel	Fransberg	Amos Rex, Technical company, Helsinki,	Finland
Torbjørn	Grav	Cinemateket, Trondheim	Norway
Jonathan	Heinius	Folkets Bio Panora, Folkets Bio Kino, Malmö	Sweden
Mattias	Iko Mattsson	Capitol (Cinemateket), Göteborg	Sweden
Isabella	Johanson	Victoria and Grand, Stockholm	Sweden
Niklas	Jönsson	Hagabion, Göteborg Film Festival, Göteborg	Sweden
Johan	Larje	Moderna Museet, Stockholm	Sweden
Linnea	Lidegran Correia	Folkets Bio Panora, Folkets Bio Kino, Malmö/ Lund	Sweden
Isak	Mozard	Folkets Bio, Visby; Savannen Festival, Gotland	Sweden
Oskar	Post	Cinema Leida (Film Archive of Estonian National Archives), Tallinn	Estonia
Jyrki	Tenni	Cinema Orion, others, Helsinki	Finland
Marie	Unt	Tartu Elektriteater, Midnight Sun Film Festival	Estonia
Alvin	Wedstedt	Bio Elektra, Västerås; Bio Rio, Eskilstuna	Sweden

Programme Details

Course Overview

Participants
10 to 15 projectionists, chosen through a selection process. Announcement of selection: end of March 2026.

Date and Venue
28–31 May 2026 – Filmhuset, Stockholm
20, 22, 27, and 28 April – Online distance learning

Application Deadline
8 March 2026

Application Requirements
Please include your CV and a short description of your professional experience, specifying the types of equipment and projectors you are familiar with and currently use.

Participation Fee
Free of charge with lunches provided. Participants need to cover costs for travel and accommodation.

Selected participants who are affiliated with a cinema in Sweden that receives support from the Swedish Film Institute may be eligible for financial support covering 50% of travel and accommodation costs. Please note that the request for financial support must be submitted by the cinema. For detailed information on this financial support, please visit.

Languages
English

Organisation
Julia Mettenleiter, Archival Film Collections

Organised by

With the support of

23 March 2026

Projectionists’ Workshop in Switzerland: 10-11 June 2026

©Raff Fluri

©Ashraf Dowani

Analogue Film Projection: Handling Fragile Film Prints in Cinemas and Festivals

With the digitisation of cinemas, expertise in projecting 16mm and 35mm films—and in maintaining the corresponding projection equipment—is increasingly being lost. At the same time, many films remain undigitised, and the surviving prints of older works are fragile objects that require the utmost care. Film prints are not the only vulnerable elements: often ageing projectors also present new challenges due to their irregular use.

This course offers cinema and festival professionals the opportunity to update their knowledge, improve their handling of sensitive film materials, and acquire valuable theoretical and practical skills in the maintenance of analogue projection equipment.

Prior to the course, participants receive comprehensive documentation and preparatory materials. These cover the basics of film formats, image and sound, physical carriers, and the principles of film projection, allowing participants to engage directly with practical work from the outset.

Programme

Day 1 focuses on preparing film prints for projection, identifying and repairing damage, and understanding the specific characteristics of historical film materials. Equipment care and maintenance are also addressed. These topics are further explored through group-based practical exercises in the afternoon.

In the evening, participants are invited to a special screening of Cinemania (2002) in a 35mm print at Lichtspiel.

Day 2 is dedicated to restarting projection equipment that has not been used for extended periods. It also covers the transport and storage of film prints, as well as live subtitling methods, enabling screenings of original-language films with subtitles in different languages. The afternoon again focuses on hands-on exercises tailored to participants’ needs.

Trainers

David Landolf (CH)
David Landolf studied electrical engineering at EPFL. As a child, he used his father’s Super 8 projector and later trained as a projectionist. In 2000, he founded Lichtspiel/Cinémathèque de Berne, which he continues to direct, focusing on the preservation, operation, and transmission of analogue film technologies. He lectures at various universities and universities of applied sciences and has served as a specialist delegate for the Memoriav network and as a long-standing technical expert for the Swiss Film Association.

David Frey (CH/FR)
David Frey began his career as a projectionist in 2010 during the transition to digital projection. In 2017, he became a trainer in analogue projection techniques, and in 2020 he took on responsibility for projectionist training in France. Since 2022, he has been Head of Projection Technology at the Cinémathèque suisse, which also operates the Capitole cinema in Lausanne.

Registration Form

Course Information

Participants
10 to 16 projectionists working in cinemas or festivals, with prior knowledge of analogue projection techniques

Date and Venue
10–11 June 2026
Lichtspiel / Cinémathèque de Berne

Application Deadline
6 May 2026

Application Requirements
Please include your CV and a short description of your professional experience, specifying the types of equipment and projectors you are familiar with and currently use.

Participation Fee
CHF 350 (including lunch)

Languages
German and French, with simultaneous translation

Organisation
Raff Fluri, Head of Continuing Education

In collaboration with

With the support of

15 May 2018

Film Storage and Preservation – ACE Session

Tuesday June 26th, 2018 – h 14.30

ACE Session at the FIAF Film Restoration Summer School:

Thomas Christensen (Curator, DFI)
Mikko Kuutti (Deputy Director, KAVI)
Nicola Mazzanti (Director, CRB)

present their classic curriculum on film preservation from analogue preservation principles via Digital 101 aka the Pixel to zoological references in restoration.

The session will take place at Auditorium – DAMSLab
@ Piazzetta Pier Paolo Pasolini 5/b (via Azzo Gardino 65/a) – 40122 – Bologna – Italia

30 November 2015

ABCinema film literacy website online

28 November 2015 – Since July 2014, leading Film Heritage Institutions and cinema organisations are working together in the ABCinema project to share best practices and to explore, on a pan European level, creative approaches to encourage children, young people and teachers to engage with film heritage. The ABCinema website gives now access to first results, providing a catalogue of film’s related activities, supporting materials and practical guidance. The catalogue covers all types of films, mainly silent and non-narrative formats. Children and students are encouraged to enjoy the playfulness of animation cinema, to explore the great creativity and dream-like potential of surrealistic movies, and to get familiar with the impact of specific narrative elements like shadow, movement, sound etc. So far, twelve different activities based on twelve films are available on the website. They aim at enabling children and young people from 3 to 25 years old to explore their own creativity by experimenting with the material, by making their own films, as well as developing an understanding of the cultural richness, the social, historical and artistic importance of cinema. All activities, related films and resources intend to inspire practitioners, teachers and educators that wish to work with heritage films.

The first project year was dedicated to develop, implement and exchange film literacy activities among the partners. In the second project year, which started September 2015 and will run for one year, ABCinema plus will focus on peer-to-peer activities, addressing educational departments, decision-makers and teachers alike, while continuing to enrich the ABCinema website with best practices. The overall goal is to establish ABCinema as an expert hub for film literacy activities working with archival material. ABCinema and the follow-up project ABCinemaplus have been co-funded by the CREATIVE EUROPE programme of the European Union.

Partners: Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna (Bologna), Cinémathèque royale (Brussels), Deutsches Filminstitut (Frankfurt/Main), Les Enfants de Cinéma (Paris), EYE Filmmuseum (Amsterdam), Watershed Arts Trust (Bristol), Association des Cinémathèques Européennes (Brussels).

Project Coordination:
Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna
Enrica Serrani – enrica.serrani@cineteca.bologna.it
Elisa Giovannelli – elisa.giovannelli@cineteca.bologna.it

www.abcinemaproject.eu

Follow ABCinema on Facebook: www.facebook.com/abcinemaproject

5 September 2015

ACE workshop „Showing a Film is Not Enough” – Cinema Programming in the Digital Era“

30 September 2015 – The constant development of digitization broadens the access to the film market. When film can be accessed from everywhere, cinemas, and particularly those that show classical and silent films, must find innovative ways to engage with audiences. At the 5^th ACE workshop, which took place in Bologna on 3^rd July 2015, film archivists and curators came together to present their activities in promoting archival films and developing audiences for this specific material. It was also discussed how cinematheques can better collaborate as a network, and share both best practices and cinema programmes.

Making “old” films fashionable

Tadeusz Kowalski (Filmoteka Narodowa, Warsaw) moderated the workshop. One of Filmoteka’s approach to make archival films more “trendy” is to combine a modern and a classical film on same topic, which allows the viewer to follow the development of cinema from the perspective of a particular theme. Filmoteka also organises cine-concerts to celebrate re-premieres of restored silent films. They have created an own TV programme, “Iluzjon.TV” , to inform about special events and the actual programme. It can be watched on You Tube, Facebook and in the cinema.

Presentation Out of Love for Cinema

Happenings and Communality

KAVI – the National Audiovisual Archive in Finland shows high quality 4K restorations, 70 mm films, 3D as well as Technicolor restorations, introduced by experts. Popular formats like sing-along contests and dress-along screenings help to bring new audiences into the theatre.

Presentation Audience development and film education at KAVI

“We Want Cinema” – Attracting younger audiences

Cinematheques offer a wide range of activities for kids and young adults to raise enthusiasm about watching, making and experiencing film. Sandra den Hamer (EYE Film Institute Netherlands, Amsterdam) presented MOVIE ZONE, an online platform that provides teaching materials, film tips, and an interactive film series teacher and pupils can works with. “EYE Exposed” is an innovative approach to involve young adults to write blogs about cultural events at EYE. They organize openings at EYE and share this information with their community. The Short Film Pool (“Korte Film Poule”) offers special educational programmes for primary and secondary schools. Subscribers have unlimited access to 250 short films, and DCPs are made on demand.

“Show me yours and I’ll show you mine” – Sharing film programmes

Mariona Bruzzo (Filmoteca Catalunya) presented the anthology “Basics of Catalan Cinema”. The five programmes (11 sessions) cover Catalan film production from the silent era until the 1980’s. The aim is to promote Catalan film heritage among FIAF members, festivals and cultural institutions. The programmes will be available in 2016.

Presentation Basic Films of Catalan Cinema

“Try the multiplexes”

Gian Luca Farinelli reported about Cineteca di Bologna’s success in doubling the size of their audience from 70,000 visitors in 2007 to nearly 130.000 in 2014, by offering a specified programme for different types of audiences. Through ccooperation with commercial cinemas, Cineteca di Bologna was able to show restored classical films in 19 different cities in Italy.

Improve collaboration, share experiences

Although the presentations show that Cinematheques are innovative and successful in attracting new audiences, it is a matter of fact that archival films are less and less shown, states Nicola Mazzanti (Cinémathèque royale de Belgique). ACE members need to better collaborate and share information about prints and DCP’s already available to circulate them among the network. Also, members should share experiences about titles which work and which doesn’t work, on the cinema screen as well as on VoD. The network could also collaborate closer in translating subtitles and buying film rights jointly. And why not trying the multiplexes? France is a good example that there is a demand and a market for heritage films.

ACE has initiated the workshop series “Management Strategies for Film Archives in the Digital Age” in 2012. It is a forum for discussing the impact of the digital paradigm on the daily work of archivists and curators working in Europe’s Film Heritage Institutions. Topics of the previous workshops were a) Digital archiving and workflows, b) Digital preservation and exhibition, c) Re-inventing cinephilia, d) Acquisition and collection policy.

20 March 2015

ABCinema Sprint at Flatpack Film Festival, Birmingham, 27-29 March 2015

19 March 2015 – ABCinema goes UK: Co-organised by ABCinema partner Watershed (Bristol) as part of the Flatpack Festival in Birmingham, the 3-day sprint will explore innovative approaches to engage the next generation in film heritage and culture outside the formal education environment.
The event brings together experts from Europe’s film archives, cinema practitioners and young people aged 16 – 25 actively involved in film projects. The aim of ABCinema sprint is to inspire, surprise and challenge in a rapidly evolving digital environment. What kind of opportunities does it offer for user engagement and audience development? How can those who don’t engage with film heritage be reached? How can we re-imagine the way in which audiences are invited in and experience film? How can we explore, together with the young people, creative ways to engage their generation in heritage film and culture? These are some of the questions which will be discussed in workshops and panels during the weekend.

ABCinema is co- funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.

Download the full ABCinema sprint programme
More information about the ABCinema project

24 June 2014

ACE Workshop on Acquisition and Collection Policy in the Digital Era, Bologna, 3 July

24 June 2014 – Since 2012, ACE has been organising the workshop series “Management strategies for film archives in the digital era”. Aim of these workshops is to react on the fundamental change caused by the complete digitization of the film industry and the entire cinema chain.

This year’s workshop will focus on how collection and acquisition policies are affected by the advent of digital distribution.

How are film heritage institutions dealing with the fact that in the digital age deposit of non-domestic works is shrinking?
How does the status of analog collections change when prints cannot be replaced anymore?

These are some of the questions that have become increasingly important for all archives and that the workshop will debate.

Speakers: Jon Wengström (Swedish Film Institute), Helen Edmunds and Kieron Webb (British Film Institute), Nicola Mazzanti (Cinémathèque Royale de Belgique), Michal Bregant (Národní filmový archiv – Czech National Film Archive), Peter Bagrov (Gosfilmofond), Sandra den Hamer (EYE Film Institute Netherlands), Thomas C. Christensen (Danish Film Institute)

Read the full programme

Venue: Cineteca di Bologna, Sala Cervi, Via Riva di Reno 72
Target Group: Management staff in Film Heritage Institutions

Attendance to the workshop is by registration only. For more information and to register please contact ace@deutsches-filminstitut.de

7 October 2013

EFG1914 at 32nd Pordenone Silent Film Festival

7 October 2013 – During this year’s Pordenone Silent Film Festival, EFG1914 partners show highlights from their collections related to the First World War. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, 9th October from 14:30 – 16:30h in the Auditorium della Regione (Via Roma 2).

Within the scope of the EFG1914 project, 21 film archives are digitising a considerable amount of their WWI collections. For the Centenary of the First World War in early 2014, more than 600 hrs of documentaries, newsreels, amateur footage and feature films from and related to WWI will be available on the European Film Gateway and Europeana websites. As approximately 80% of films from this period are considered lost, the material provided through EFG1914 represents a considerable share of what has been preserved from the time in Europe’s film archives.

EFG1914 Programme
Le Giornate del Cinema Muto website