European Arthouse Cinema Day

What it is

The day is run by the CICAE, the international confederation of art cinemas, with the Europa Cinemas network. Taking part is free and voluntary, and each cinema builds its own programme: a special screening, a filmmaker talk, a discussion or a retrospective. The one shared rule is to show at least one European co-production. It started in 2016. The organiser's German pages call it the Europäischer Arthouse-Kinotag.

What happens on the day

There is no single film or schedule. Each cinema shapes its own day, usually around some of these:

Ambassadors

The 2026 edition has ten ambassadors, including two duos who make films together. Three of its six patrons are German: Wolfram Weimer, Germany's Minister of State for Culture and Media, and the Members of the European Parliament Sabine Verheyen and Nela Riehl.

The scale

The last edition, on 23 November 2025, brought together 150,000 filmgoers in more than 660 cinemas across 43 countries. The organisers expect a similar reach in 2026.

In Germany

The German member of the CICAE is the AG Kino – Gilde, the association of arthouse and independent cinemas. The day is backed by Creative Europe MEDIA, the CNC, the German Federal Film Board (FFA), Eurimages and Europa Cinemas.

Find a cinema taking part

The official map lists the cinemas taking part in every country and keeps growing as cinemas register before the day. Each cinema sets and sells its own programme.

Registered in Germany so far

By 16 October 2026, 87 cinemas in Germany had registered on the official map. Each links to what it is playing. More can still join, so the official map has the complete list.

Common questions

When is European Arthouse Cinema Day 2026?

Sunday 22 November 2026. It is the 11th edition.

Which cinemas take part?

Arthouse and independent cinemas across Europe and beyond. The official map lists them and keeps growing until the day. This page lists the cinemas in Germany registered so far, each linked to its programme.

What happens on the day?

Each cinema sets its own programme, from a special screening to a filmmaker talk. The one shared rule is at least one European co-production.

How much does it cost?

Each cinema sets its own prices and books its own tickets; there is no central price. Some houses run free or special events on the day.

Who organises it?

The CICAE, the international confederation of art cinemas, with the Europa Cinemas network. In Germany the member association is the AG Kino – Gilde.