Presented in partnership with the American Cinematheque, ‘Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair’ is an annual film festival showcasing some of the greatest works of cinema from across the globe that venture into the darkest sides of humanity and the bleakest points in human history.
For the festival’s fifth annual edition in June 2026, Cinematheque at Cleveland Institute of Art is presenting its own original curated lineup of uncompromising films defined by unpleasant truths and raw empathy.
Bleak Week at the Cinematheque at Cleveland Institute of Art runs Jun 10-14, 2026.
General Admission Half Series Pass for Bleak Week includes 1-ticket per person to 8 screenings during the festival. Films to choose from are:
BREAKING THE WAVES
PUSHER I
PUSHER II
PUSHER III
TASTE OF CHERRY
A SHORT FILM ABOUT KILLING
THREADS
FUNNY GAMES (35mm)
THE FIRE WITHIN (35mm)
HAPPINESS
WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES
THE VANISHING
DAY OF WRATH (35mm)
IMITATION OF LIFE
UMBERTO D. (35mm)
BOY