Film enthusiasts, mark your calendars! From June 21st to 29th, 2025, Bologna will once again host Il Cinema Ritrovato, the highly anticipated and beloved film festival organized by the Cineteca di Bologna. Now in its 39th edition, this renowned event has become a global landmark for those passionate about classic cinema, offering a treasure trove of restored films and cinematic rarities from around the world.
For nine unforgettable days, the historic center of Bologna will transform into a vast open-air cinema, brimming with the enchantment of film in all its forms. From meticulously restored masterpieces to rediscovered documentaries, from Hollywood legends to silent film pioneers, and from the icons of Italian Neorealism to hidden gems of Asian, African, and South American cinema – Il Cinema Ritrovato offers an unparalleled cinematic journey.
Experience the Festival Locations
The festival’s extensive program will be showcased across seven cinema venues and two captivating outdoor spaces. The iconic Piazza Maggiore will once again host spectacular evening screenings under the stars, creating a truly magical communal viewing experience. Additionally, the charming Piazzetta Pasolini will offer unique screenings with carbon arc projectors, transporting audiences back to the early days of cinema.
Returning as a festival favorite is the Cinema Modernissimo, a beautifully restored architectural gem in the heart of the city. This beloved venue will serve as a vibrant hub where film lovers, critics, scholars, and restoration experts can connect in an intimate atmosphere filled with discussions, emotions, and exciting discoveries.
What’s on the Program for 2025?
The official selections for 2025 include the acclaimed Ritrovati e Restaurati (Rediscovered and Restored), Documenti e documentari (Documents and Documentaries), Cinemalibero (Free Cinema), 1905 (dedicated to the dawn of cinema), and the essential Cinema Ritrovato Kids & Young, designed to introduce younger audiences to the language of film.
A major highlight of this year’s festival will be a special cine-concert dedicated to Charlie Chaplin’s timeless masterpiece, The Gold Rush, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. One hundred years after its original release, the film will return to the big screen in a stunning restoration by the Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna, enhanced by a live performance of the original score by the Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, conducted by Timothy Brock. This unique event promises to blend captivating visuals, live music, and film history in the iconic setting of Piazza Maggiore.
Before its Bologna premiere, the restored version of Chaplin’s film will debut internationally at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in the Cannes Classics section, further solidifying the Cineteca di Bologna’s pivotal role in the global landscape of film restoration.
The 2025 edition will also pay extensive tribute to world-renowned filmmakers such as Luigi Comencini, Lewis Milestone, Mikio Naruse, and Willi Forst, featuring homages, retrospectives, and screenings of 35mm and 16mm films, accompanied by insightful introductions and analyses from international experts.
Stay at Relais Bellaria Hotel During Il Cinema Ritrovato 2025
Planning your trip to Bologna for Il Cinema Ritrovato? The Relais Bellaria Hotel offers the perfect accommodation for film enthusiasts. Located conveniently near the city center, our hotel provides a comfortable and stylish retreat after a day of cinematic exploration. Enjoy our excellent amenities and relax in our tranquil surroundings.
Book your stay at Relais Bellaria Hotel and immerse yourself in the magic of Il Cinema Ritrovato 2025 in Bologna!
Il Cinema Ritrovato will animate Bologna from June 21st to 29th. Will you be there?
