After its record-breaking 2025 edition, which brought together 150,000 spectators in over 660 cinemas across 43 countries worldwide, the 11th European Arthouse Cinema Day will return to independent movie theatres around the world on November 22nd 2026.
On that date, hundreds of cinemas around the world will open their doors to celebrate a shared belief: cinema is a place for connection, dialogue and discovery.
On the occasion of the European Arthouse Cinema Day, nearly 660 cinemas across more than 45 countries will invite audiences to celebrate the richness and diversity of European cinema through special screenings, discussions and unique events.
In an increasingly fragmented world, arthouse cinemas play a vital role. They are places where new perspectives are discovered, conversations begin and communities come together. By giving audiences access to a wide diversity of stories and voices, they foster dialogue, mutual understanding and the democratic values that strengthen our societies.
This 11th edition is an opportunity to reaffirm, together, that culture and cinemas are essential public spaces worth protecting. Across borders, European Arthouse Cinema Day celebrates the values that unite us: cultural diversity, freedom of artistic expression, collaboration and openness to others.
European Arthouse Cinema Day is a global initiative, open to cinemas around the world. Whether you are an exhibitor, distributor, programmer or industry partner, wherever you are, we invite you to join this international celebration. We would be delighted to support you in taking part and organising your own event.
Registrations are now open! Go to "Cinema Area > Registration/Login".
In the coming weeks, subscribe to CICAE newsletter and follow us on social media to discover this year's ambassadors, featured films and the many initiatives taking place in participating cinemas around the world.
See you at the cinema!
The European Arthouse Cinema Day is organised in collaboration with national arthouse cinema associations and audiovisual sector partners, with the support of Creative Europe MEDIA, the CNC, the FFA, Eurimages and the Europa Cinemas network.
The official poster in multiple languages
A social media communication kit in multiple languages
Logos and graphic assets in multiple languages
The official trailer (1 minute) in MOV and DCP formats
Videos featuring our filmmaker ambassadors and political patrons
A template letter for cinemas to invite filmmakers and artists to take part in local events
A template letter for cinemas to contact public officials and policymakers
A press release template to promote your event
Our curated film recommendations, developed with our partners, including feature films, documentaries, short films, animation and films for young audiences
Special programming offers on a selection of films available at reduced rates
A short audience survey to display on the day of the event, including DCP slides with a QR code
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