The American Cinematheque’s film festival, Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair, a festivity of films that delve into the darker aspects of the human experience, is considerably expanding its reach this year. what began as a Los Angeles-based event in 2022 will now screen in seven U.S. cities and, for the first time, internationally in London.

Known for its focus on emotionally challenging and thematically dark films, Bleak Week will continue its presence in Los Angeles at the Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, and Los Feliz 3.In June, it will also premiere in theaters across Portland, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York, Boston, and London, offering its unique brand of cinematic melancholy to new audiences.This expansion signals a growing appetite for films that confront difficult topics, resonating with viewers seeking more than just escapism.

“‘Bleak Week’ has deeply resonated with both audiences and filmmakers alike, who have discovered they are not alone in their desire to explore challenging and frequently enough sad and uncomfortable truths,” said Grant Moninger, American Cinematheque’s Artistic Director. “We’re thrilled to partner with these iconic theaters to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking film experience.”

A Nationwide and International Experience

The festival’s schedule includes screenings at several iconic venues across the U.S. and in London.each location will host screenings from June 1 through June 21, with programming tailored to the local audience.The event unfolded as follows:

• Los Angeles and Chicago: June 1–7
• Portland and Minneapolis: June 6–12
• New York,Boston,and Dallas: June 8–14
• london: June 15–21

Participating venues include:

• Hollywood Theatre (portland)
• Music Box Theatre (Chicago)
• Texas theatre (Dallas)
• trylon Cinema (Minneapolis)
• Paris Theater (New York)
• Coolidge Corner Theatre (Boston)
• Prince Charles Cinema (London)

This strategic scheduling allows film enthusiasts across multiple time zones to partake in the cinematic exploration of despair.

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Joins the Despair Festivities

Adding to the event’s reach, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) aired a themed programming block on Monday, June 2. The curated lineup included:

• Make Way for Tomorrow
• Man of the West
• Cries and Whispers
• Breaking the Waves
• The Seventh Victim

TCM host Dave Karger introduced the first three titles live on air, providing context and analysis for viewers at home.

Special Alex Reeds and Anticipated Lineup

Previous editions of Bleak Week have attracted notable figures in the film industry, including Béla Tarr, Lynne Ramsay, charlie Kaufman, Isabella Rossellini, Ari Aster, and Al Pacino. This year, Robert Eggers (director of “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse”) and Todd Solondz (known for “Happiness” and “Welcome to the Dollhouse”) appeared at London’s Prince Charles Cinema and New York’s Paris Theater, respectively. Their presence underscored the festival’s commitment to showcasing films and filmmakers who aren’t afraid to tackle difficult and unsettling themes.

The full festival lineup was unveiled in the weeks leading up to the event, generating meaningful buzz among cinephiles hungry for thought-provoking cinema. The selection process focused on films that offer a unique perspective on the human condition, frequently enough exploring themes of alienation, grief, and societal breakdown. think along the lines of films like “Manchester by the Sea,” ” Сынок (Synok) (The Son),” or even “Taxi Driver” – movies that leave you contemplating long after the credits roll.

The choice of Eggers and Solondz as featured guests is particularly noteworthy. Eggers’ films are known for their unsettling atmosphere and exploration of dark historical themes, while Solondz’s work ofen satirizes suburban life and tackles taboo subjects with unflinching honesty. Their involvement signals that this year’s Bleak Week would be as challenging and rewarding as ever.

London’s Perspective

Paul Vickery,Head of Programming for the Prince Charles Cinema,shared his enthusiasm for the partnership. “This is a programmer’s dream come true,” he said. “We can’t wait to bring a little piece of what the unbelievable team at the AC do on a daily basis to our screen in London. You are in for a truly misery-inducing treat!” This sentiment highlights the festival’s appeal to programmers and audiences alike,who are drawn to its unique and daring approach to cinema.

The Enduring Appeal of “Bleak Week”

Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair addresses a fundamental human need: to confront and process difficult emotions through art. In a culture often obsessed with positivity and escapism, this festival offers a space for viewers to engage with the complexities of the human experience, fostering empathy and understanding.

The festival’s expansion suggests a growing recognition of the value of these types of stories. By bringing Bleak Week to new cities and countries, the American Cinematheque is helping to create a global community of film lovers who appreciate the power of cinema to explore the darker aspects of life.