25/09/2026 - Registration is now open for the international event, which will take place on 22 November, set to celebrate European film through screenings, special events and encounters with filmmakers

The 11th European Arthouse Cinema Day will take place on 22 November, with cinemas around the world invited to participate in the initiative organised by the International Confederation of Arthouse Cinemas (CICAE). Registration is now open for the event, which aims to promote European filmmaking, encourage international collaboration and highlight the cultural and social role of independent cinemas.

Over its first ten editions, European Arthouse Cinema Day has reached 600,000 spectators in 45 countries, with approximately 660 cinemas participating annually. The 2025 edition featured 4,277 screenings and 400 national events, alongside international activities and workshops involving cinema professionals from around the world.

The initiative allows participating venues to develop their own programmes according to their audiences and resources. Cinemas are required to screen at least one European co-production, but can otherwise choose their own format, from previews and filmmaker Q&As to retrospectives, workshops and activities for younger audiences.

This year's filmmaker ambassadors include Pedro Almodóvar, Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Léa Mysius, Faraz Shariat, Isabelle Stever, Anna Melikova, Valentina and Nicole Bertani, Boots Riley and Anca Damian, who are supporting the initiative with their latest films.

The diversity of possible activities was illustrated by last year's edition. A Q&A following the Paris premiere of Alice Winocour's Couture was broadcast live to around 70 cinemas across France. In Berlin, a collaboration with Deutsche Hörfilm combined a screening with a workshop on accessibility for blind and partially sighted audiences, while in South Korea, the initiative expanded into a five-day festival.

Participation is free, and registered cinemas receive communication materials, including posters, logos, social media assets and promotional videos featuring the filmmaker ambassadors. This year's promotional kit, available in 15 languages, features artwork by Romanian filmmaker Anca Damian.

CICAE is also preparing a curated selection of film recommendations in collaboration with distributors, sales agents and international partners, including special programming opportunities, reduced-price offers and selected previews.

Participating cinemas will additionally have access to the free Arthouse Cinema Meets webinars, which offer practical sessions and exchanges with international colleagues on subjects including repertory cinema, alternative distribution, programming and marketing. Further resources on audience development and opportunities for collaboration are available through the Arthouse Cinema Hub.

Cinemas can register free of charge here, even if their programmes have not yet been finalised.