Cineteca di Boloogna

The Cineteca of Bologna is one of the most important cultural institutions in Italy and Europe, dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and dissemination of film heritage. Founded in 1963, the Cineteca is housed in the former Manifattura Tabacchi, a historic building that today is a reference point for film lovers, scholars, and cinema enthusiasts. The history of the Cineteca began with the acquisition of a vast archive of films and documents, which allowed the creation of one of the richest and most diverse collections in the world. This archive includes over 80,000 films, including numerous classics of Italian, Soviet, and international silent cinema, documentaries, and newsreels. Among the most precious collections are those dedicated to Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, thanks to restoration and conservation projects that have brought to light masterpieces of world cinema. The Cineteca is a member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) and the Association of European Cinematheques (ACE), highlighting its central role in the international network of film archives. These recognitions underline the importance of the Cineteca not only as a guardian of film heritage but also as a center of innovation and research in the field of restoration. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Cineteca of Bologna is the laboratory L’Immagine Ritrovata, a world-renowned center of excellence in film restoration. Here, experts from around the world collaborate to restore films damaged by time and wear, using cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies. Among the most important projects carried out by the laboratory are the restoration of films by Federico Fellini, Ermanno Olmi, and Pier Paolo Pasolini, in addition to the aforementioned Chaplin and Keaton. The Cineteca is not only a place of preservation but also a vibrant cultural center. The Cinema Lumière, located in the Manifattura delle Arti, offers a rich and varied program, with screenings of classic films, thematic retrospectives, previews, and meetings with directors and actors. Every year, the festival Il Cinema Ritrovato attracts thousands of enthusiasts from around the world, presenting a selection of restored films and cinematic rarities screened in evocative locations such as Piazza Maggiore. The Renzo Renzi Library, an integral part of the Cineteca, houses approximately 47,000 volumes dedicated to cinema, photography, and graphic arts. This collection includes specialized periodicals and archival funds of film critics and historians, making it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers. Among the most important funds is the archive of Vittorio Martinelli, a prominent film critic who donated his research materials on silent cinema to the library. Another highlight of the Cineteca is the Pier Paolo Pasolini Studies Center – Archive, which collects unique materials on the life and work of the renowned director and writer. Founded by Laura Betti, the center includes over 1,000 volumes, collections of magazines, press clippings, theses, and audiovisual materials, as well as a vast photo library and tape library. This archive is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to delve into the study of Pasolini and his contribution to Italian and international culture. The Cineteca of Bologna is also distinguished for its commitment to education and teaching. Through the “Schermi e Lavagne” project, the Cineteca organizes film clubs for young people, workshops, and professional training courses, promoting a passion for cinema among the new generations. These educational programs are supported by the European Social Fund and the Emilia-Romagna Region, highlighting the importance of the Cineteca as a training and cultural institution. In addition to cinema and education, the Cineteca also houses a Videogame Archive, the first in Italy dedicated to the preservation of video games. This archive, constantly expanding, includes more than 5,400 titles and represents a unique resource for scholars and video game enthusiasts, offering an in-depth look at an important aspect of contemporary culture. Finally, the Cineteca of Bologna is also an important center for film production and promotion. The Film Commission, part of the Cineteca, provides logistical and organizational support to film and television productions that choose Bologna as a set, contributing to enhancing the city and its cultural heritage through cinema.