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Cinema of Despair Spreads Globally This June
10 Mar
Summary
- Bleak Week festival returns to Los Angeles from June 1-7.
- The 2026 programming expands to nearly 100 theaters nationwide.
- Festivals explore humanity's darkest sides and bleakest historical points.

The fifth edition of the "Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair" festival, presented by the American Cinematheque, is set to take place in Los Angeles from June 1-7, 2026. This year's event signifies the festival's largest expansion to date, reaching nearly 100 theaters across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Scotland, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
The festival is dedicated to showcasing global cinema that explores the profound depths of human suffering and the most challenging periods in history. Each participating venue will curate its own unique lineup, offering diverse perspectives on the festival's theme. This collaborative approach allows for nearly 100 distinct interpretations of "Bleak Week."
In anticipation of the in-person festival, Turner Classic Movies will air a selection of films previously featured in "Bleak Week" on May 31, 2026. Further details and ticketing information are available on the American Cinematheque website, with tickets sold directly through individual participating venues.



