Bleak Week is a unique film festival that celebrates what some call the “cinema of despair.” Born as a response to the growing demand for feel-good movies after the pandemic, this festival flips the script by showcasing films that explore darker themes.
The festival was initiated by the American Cinematheque, a nonprofit arts organization that curates films in historic theaters across Los Angeles. The programmers, led by artistic director Grant Moninger, thought, “What if we go against the grain?” They strategically timed it to coincide with Los Angeles’ June Gloom, creating an art house alternative to the popular Shark Week.
When Bleak Week first launched in 2022, it featured a lineup of some of the most somber films in world cinema, including Elem Klimov’s anti-war epic Come and See and Béla Tarr’s lengthy masterpiece Sátántangó. Film critic Katie Walsh was among the early supporters, humorously dubbing fans of the festival as “sickos” on social media.
“This is for the sickos,” Walsh stated. “We were really enthusiastic about it online. I think they were like, ‘Okay, great, this is like a concept that is going to translate.’”
From Niche to Global
Fast forward five years, and Bleak Week has expanded beyond its Los Angeles roots, now taking place in 100 theaters across 73 cities in eight countries, including the UK, Canada, Puerto Rico, and various parts of Latin America. The festival isn’t limited to just major cities; smaller venues in places like Columbia, Missouri, and Brookline, Massachusetts, are also participating.
Moninger emphasizes that while the name “Bleak Week” might suggest sadness, it’s really a celebration of the human experience. “It’s really what cinema is about: empathy and understanding the world,” he said.
The festival’s popularity has proven that audiences are hungry for deeper, more challenging narratives. Screenings of Sátántangó, which runs nearly 7½ hours, frequently sell out. Notably, renowned filmmaker Béla Tarr attended the festival in its second year, despite previously stating he wouldn’t return to the U.S.
Cinematic Exploration
The current edition of Bleak Week is happening now in Los Angeles at venues such as the Egyptian Theatre and the Aero Theatre. This year, notable figures like Isabelle Huppert and filmmaker Ari Aster will be present for Q&A sessions, adding a layer of excitement to the screenings.
One of the unique aspects of Bleak Week is its flexibility in defining what constitutes “bleak cinema.” The films range from wartime dramas to emotional narratives and even family-friendly options. Local programmers curate selections based on what resonates with their audiences, leading to over 300 films being showcased worldwide.
For instance, the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago has chosen to focus on animated films, showcasing classics like Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke and Martin Rosen’s Watership Down. In Argentina, local films and retrospectives of Aster’s work are featured.
End on a Sweet Note
The festival even has a tradition of closing with something uplifting: the three Paddington movies, humorously referred to as the “marmalade chaser.” Moninger explains, “There’s something still yet triumphant about taking horrible experiences or someone’s personal tragedy and being able to turn it into art.”
Whether you’re a fan of dark narratives or just curious about exploring the depths of human emotion through film, Bleak Week offers a unique opportunity to engage with challenging cinema while also celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
