'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair' Film Festival Returns, Expands Globally

Mar 10, 2026 3:05pm PT American Cinematheque’s ‘Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair’ Film Festival Returns to Los Angeles with Global Expansion – Film News in Brief By Jazz Tangcay, Arushi Jacob Getty Images for American Cinema American Cinematheque’s film festival, “Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair,” will return for its fifth edition in Los Angeles from June 1-7. This year, American Cinematheque has partnered with independent cinemas, film organizations and filmmakers, including Sean Baker (“Anora”) and Mike Flanagan (“The Life of Chuck”). The festival will take place at the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, and Los Feliz 3. The 2026 programming marks “Bleak Week’s” largest expansion yet; screenings will take place across nearly 100 theaters across the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Scotland, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.“Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair” is an annual festival that showcases global cinema, focusing on films that “explore the darkest sides of humanity and the bleakest points in human history.” Each participating venue presents its own original curated lineup of films.Chris LeMaire, director of programming at American Cinematheque said, “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.” Related Stories Ashley Judd Calls Out Her 1997 Movie 'Kiss the Girls' for 'Making Entertainment Out of Sexual Torture' Against Women: 'It's Traumatizing' and 'Why Is It Profitable?' Pay-TV network Turner Classic Movies will present a selection of films featured in past “Bleak Week” programming on May 31, leading into the in-person festival.For a full list of participating venues and more information, visit americancinematheque.com. Tickets will go on sale through each participating venue. Popular on Variety Jump to Comments The Isley Brothers Reflect on Beyoncé, Jimi Hendrix and Their Path to the Walk of Fame    Bad Bunny Gets His First Solo No. 1 on the Hot 100 With ‘DtMF,’ One of Four Songs He Has in Top 10 Post-Super Bowl Kobalt Partners With India’s Madverse to Expand Publishing Reach Taylor Swift’s ‘Opalite’ Reaches No. 1, Putting Her in a Tie for Third Place for the Most Hot 100 Leaders Ever Taylor Swift Inducted Into Songwriters Hall of Fame Taylor Swift to Debut ‘Opalite’ Music Video This Week JavaScript is required to load the comments. Loading comments...