How Bologna Became Cinema's Restoration Authority

Il Cinema Ritrovato opens its 40th edition June 20–28, 2026, where archivists and preservationists establish global standards for presenting restored films. The Cineteca di Bologna, which hosts the festival, operates one of the world's most active restoration labs. Over four decades, the annual event transformed film preservation from specialist work into recognized cultural diplomacy, with Bologna consistently setting the field's direction.