European Art Cinema Day in Budapest 2025
Experience a special celebration of European cinema on November 23, 2025, when Budapest’s independent art house cinemas join hundreds of venues across 38 countries for the 10th annual European Art Cinema Day. This unique event offers film enthusiasts the chance to watch award-winning European films and new Hungarian productions weeks or even months before their official premiere.
Essential Information at a Glance
- Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Participating Cities: Over 45 countries, 700+ cinemas worldwide
- Budapest Venues: Nearly all art house cinemas including Cirko-Gejzír, Művész Cinema, Toldi Cinema, Puskin Cinema, Uránia National Film Theatre, Art+Cinema, Kino Mozi, Tabán Mozi, and more
- Ticket Prices: Approximately 2,300-2,800 HUF (around 6-7 EUR) depending on venue, with discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, and those under 26
- Film Languages: Original languages with Hungarian subtitles (many films include English, French, Italian, and German dialogue)
- Age Restrictions: Varies by film, ranging from 6 to 16 years
- Booking: Available through individual cinema websites, advance booking recommended
- Organizers: Art-Mozi Egyesület (Art Cinema Association), supported by the National Cultural Fund and Hungarian Academy of Arts
What Makes This Event Special
The European Art Cinema Day highlights the vital role that art house cinemas play as cultural and community spaces while showcasing the diversity of European filmmaking. Organized by the International Confederation of Art Cinemas (CICAE) and the Europa Cinemas network, this cross-border celebration brings cinema lovers together under the motto Europe goes to the cinema again!
Budapest visitors can enjoy exclusive pre-release screenings at nearly all of the city’s art house theaters. The participating venues have curated special programs featuring festival-winning films and fresh Hungarian works, giving audiences a first look at movies that won’t reach regular theaters until later in the year.
Where to Watch
Almost every art house cinema in Budapest participates in this event, including popular venues like Cirko-Gejzír, Művész Cinema, Toldi Cinema, Puskin Cinema, and Uránia National Film Theatre. Each theater creates its own unique program from a selection of featured films, so you can choose based on location and film preferences.
The Cirko-Gejzír cinema, for example, screens three compelling films on November 23: We Believe You at 4:15 PM, A Middle Class Vacation at 6:00 PM, and The Quiet Friend at 8:00 PM. Other venues throughout the city offer different selections and screening times.
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Featured Films
The program includes an exciting mix of European cinema. Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi’s international co-production The Quiet Friend stars acclaimed actor Tony Leung and won’t premiere until 2026. French drama A Middle Class Vacation offers a thought-provoking story ahead of its December release. Belgian film We Believe You, which won the Perspektive Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, screens before its November 27 premiere.
You can also catch Sicilian Letters, an Italian-French crime film featuring Toni Servillo that earned five awards at the Venice Film Festival, or the documentary Resurrection of Notre-Dame, which chronicles the famous cathedral’s restoration.
Practical Information
The event takes place on Sunday, November 23, 2025, with screening times varying by venue. Films are shown in their original languages with Hungarian subtitles, and some productions include English dialogue. Age restrictions apply to certain films, typically ranging from ages 6 to 16 depending on content.
Tickets and detailed screening schedules are available on each cinema’s website. Since this is a special one-day event with limited screenings, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
This celebration of independent cinema provides a wonderful opportunity to discover European filmmaking while supporting Budapest’s vibrant art house theater scene. Whether you’re a dedicated cinephile or simply curious about international films, European Art Cinema Day offers something memorable for everyone visiting the Hungarian capital.
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