More than a film event, the European Arthouse Cinema Day is a collective action by the arthouse sector: connecting cinemas across borders, encouraging the circulation of European films, and creating opportunities for audiences, filmmakers and cinema professionals to meet and exchange. 2026 Trailer is being finalized. In the meantime, watch our 2025 trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KbFOaSJfXo
ONE DAY, MANY WAYS TO TAKE PART
On 22 November 2026, nearly 660 cinemas in more than 45 countries will take part, creating their own programmes and events around European cinema.
The 11th edition is supported by internationally acclaimed filmmakers and artists, including Pedro Almodóvar, Léa Mysius, Anca Damian, Faraz Shariat, Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Isabelle Stever and Anna Melikova, Valentina and Nicole Bertani, and Boots Riley
Ambassadors are invited to actively contribute to the campaign through:
• Short promotional videos to invite audiences to the cinema on the Day
• Interviews and conversations around their films and the role of cinema
• Participation in a special screening or event, with the possibility of streaming it nationally or internationally to connect cinemas and audiences across borders.
WHAT CAN EUROPEAN ARTHOUSE CINEMA DAY LOOK LIKE?
Last year’s edition showed the breadth of what cinemas can create when they are connected through a common international initiative:
Alice Winocour · Paris, France
A premiere of Coutures with Alice Winocour and actress Anyier Anei, followed by a live national stream connecting 71 cinemas across France.
Mascha Schilinski · Warsaw, Poland
A special preview of Sound of Falling at Kino Iluzjon, followed by an hour-long discussion with Mascha Schilinski, made possible through EACD’s international network and ambassador participation.
Inclusive cinema · Berlin, Germany
A screening of Le Goût des autres with a live audiodescription, developed with Deutsche Hörfilm, alongside a professional workshop exploring accessibility in film exhibition.
Young audiences · Szolnok, Hungary
A full day combining European films for children, animation screenings, a live sandanimation performance and hands-on workshops — with activities also shared through live streams.
Cinema & political dialogue · Paris, France
A screening of Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, followed by a conversation between filmmaker Sepideh Farsi and journalist Edwy Plenel.
Cross-border programming · Jakarta Film Week
European classics including Cat City and Paris, Texas, made accessible through international partnerships and special booking conditions, followed by Q&As with festival programmers.
Cinema beyond borders · Bangladesh
Two days of screenings, roundtables and masterclasses, including an online session connecting local professionals with an international Arthouse Cinema Training tutor.
These examples show the potential of EACD: from premieres and filmmaker encounters to accessibility, young audiences, heritage, professional exchange and international streaming.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
• A communication kit with visuals to promote your events (posters in all languages, branding & logos) based on the artwork of Anca Damian
• Communication on the event across all our channels
• The support of prominent filmmakers as ambassadors and special guests
• Free webinars: Arthouse Cinema Meets, a series of online workshops and practical exchanges for participating cinemas throughout the year, on topics including: Programming, Repertory Cinema, Marketing, Young Audiences, Data Gathering, Cyber Security, Audience Development.
• Lists of films, film deals by international partners for all audiences
• Recommendations & Tools to be connected to the international network on the Arthouse Cinema Hub: https://arthousecinemahub.com
JOIN a network of hundreds of arthouse cinemas worldwide
TRY OUT new formats of marketing and programming
REMIND stakeholders of the political and social role of arthouse cinemas
TAKE PART IN THE EUROPEAN ARTHOUSE CINEMA DAY!
REGISTER YOUR CINEMA: https://artcinemaday.org/en/login-cinema-edit?cinemaid=0
CONTACT: Project Manager, Claire Scordel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The CICAE (Confédération Internationale des Cinémas d'Art et d'Essai) is a non-profit association representing over 2,400 arthouse cinemas with more than 4,400 screens in 46 countries. Founded in 1955, CICAE promotes cultural diversity in cinema and advocates for independent exhibition at national and international levels.
