ACE/FIAF-funded projectionists' workshop in Bern, June 2026. Photo: Raff Fluri

Projectionists’ Workshops 2026-27: Selection Announced

The Association des Cinémathèques Européennes (ACE) and FIAF have jointly selected five European film heritage institutions to receive funding towards the organization of projectionists’ workshops by May 2027.

The selected recipients are:

• Filmarchiv Austria

• Finnish Arts and Culture Agency (KUVI)

• Filmoteka Narodowa – Instytut Audiowizualny (FINA)

• Filmoteca Española

• Národní filmový archiv (Czech National Film Archive)

In making their selection, the ACE anfd FIAF placed particular emphasis on institutions that have not previously hosted a projectionists’ workshop. This approach aims to broaden access to specialized training opportunities and encourage the development of projection skills and knowledge across a wider network of European film archives.

Strengthening analogue projection skills across Europe

The selection builds on the positive results of the two previous rounds of this ACE/FIAF initiative, which have already supported projectionists’ workshops in several European countries. These workshops have provided opportunities for cinema and archive professionals to develop practical skills, exchange technical knowledge and share experience in the handling and projection of analogue film.

The initiative addresses the ongoing need to preserve and transmit the specialist knowledge required for analogue film projection. As projection equipment becomes increasingly difficult to maintain and experienced projectionists retire, creating opportunities for practical training and intergenerational knowledge exchange remains essential to safeguarding this aspect of film heritage.

The newly selected institutions are expected to organise their workshops by May 2027, contributing to the continued development of a European network of professionals committed to keeping analogue film projection alive.

A written report will be submitted to the ACE and FIAF by the institutions hosting the workshops no longer than two months after they have taken place. These reports will allow the ACE and FIAF to evaluate the effectiveness of this joint initiative.

Any questions about this initiative? Please write to projectionists@fiafnet.org.