American Cinematheque's 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair' Film Festival Expands Globally

The annual festival showcasing dark and bleak films will screen in nearly 100 theaters across 8 countries.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair' film festival, hosted by American Cinematheque, is returning to Los Angeles from June 1-7 for its fifth edition. This year, the festival is expanding globally, with screenings taking place across nearly 100 theaters in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Scotland, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

Why it matters

The 'Bleak Week' festival has become a renowned event for showcasing powerful and thought-provoking films that explore the darkest aspects of the human experience. Its global expansion allows more audiences around the world to engage with this unique cinematic programming.

The details

In addition to screenings at the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, and Los Feliz 3 in Los Angeles, American Cinematheque has partnered with independent cinemas, film organizations, and filmmakers like Sean Baker and Mike Flanagan to curate lineups for participating venues across multiple countries. Each location will present its own original selection of films as part of the 'Bleak Week' theme.

  • The 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair' film festival will take place in Los Angeles from June 1-7, 2026.
  • Turner Classic Movies will present a selection of films featured in past 'Bleak Week' programming on May 31, 2026, leading into the in-person festival.

The players

American Cinematheque

A non-profit organization that operates the Egyptian Theatre and Aero Theatre in Los Angeles, and is the presenter of the 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair' film festival.

Chris LeMaire

The director of programming at American Cinematheque.

Sean Baker

An American filmmaker who has partnered with American Cinematheque for the 'Bleak Week' festival.

Mike Flanagan

An American filmmaker who has partnered with American Cinematheque for the 'Bleak Week' festival.

Turner Classic Movies

A pay-TV network that will present a selection of films featured in past 'Bleak Week' programming.

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What they’re saying

“What's especially exciting for us is the opportunity to work with programmers across the world. 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. In that sense, this global festival is not just a celebration of great films but a tribute to some of the greatest cinemas around the world and the incredible programmers that work there.”

— Chris LeMaire, Director of Programming, American Cinematheque

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair' film festival will go on sale through each participating venue.

The takeaway

The global expansion of the 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair' film festival demonstrates the growing international interest and appreciation for thought-provoking, emotionally impactful cinema that explores the darkest aspects of the human experience.