American Cinematheque's "Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair" Returns for Fifth Edition

The American Cinematheque is set to host the fifth edition of its film festival, “Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair,” from June 1-7, 2026, in Los Angeles. This year, the festival has expanded significantly, partnering with independent cinemas, film organizations, and filmmakers, including notable figures such as Sean Baker and Mike Flanagan. The festival will be held at prominent venues including the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, and Los Feliz 3.

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“Bleak Week” has seen its largest expansion to date, with screenings scheduled across nearly 100 theaters in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Scotland, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. Each participating venue will curate its own unique lineup of films, allowing for a diverse representation of global cinema that focuses on the darker aspects of humanity and historical events. Chris LeMaire, director of programming at American Cinematheque, emphasized the festival's collaborative nature, stating, “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.”

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The festival aims to showcase films that delve into the bleakest points in human history, providing a platform for filmmakers to explore complex and often uncomfortable narratives. In addition to the in-person festival, Turner Classic Movies will present a selection of films from previous “Bleak Week” programming on May 31, serving as a lead-in to the main event.

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American Cinematheque has expressed excitement about the festival's growth and the opportunity to work with a variety of programmers worldwide. The organization views this festival not only as a celebration of impactful cinema but also as a tribute to the dedicated programmers at cinemas globally.

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Tickets for “Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair” will be available through each participating venue, and further details can be found on the American Cinematheque website. The festival promises to be a significant event for cinephiles and a unique exploration of global cinema's engagement with themes of despair and human struggle.

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• “Chris LeMaire, director of programming at American Cinematheque said, “What’s especially exciting for us is the opportunity to work with programmers across the world.” — Chris LeMaire, Director of Programming, American Cinematheque.

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