The Role of the Film Curator: Programming for Cinemas, Festivals, and Archives

How does one program a film screening that will never be forgotten? And who stands behind the curtain?
Have you ever imagined becoming that passionate person who curates screenings that astonish audiences—bringing together pleasure and vision, emotion and knowledge? In this inspiring book, Peter Bosma takes us on a journey behind the scenes of the world of film programming—a creative and intellectual blend of industry and thought. Cinephilia, in its practical form, unfolds from screening rooms to film festivals, archives, and modern digital platforms. This book reveals a roadmap to a passionate world that connects the past to the present.

A critic from Cineaste Magazine described it as “an excellent guide for the novice film programmer and a fundamental reference for anyone curating film screenings with artistic and critical awareness.” It is also “a framework that clarifies the responsibilities of film curators in the digital age, introducing new concepts about festivals and archives.”

This book invites reflection, urging the reader at every moment to contemplate the joy and impact of cinematic programming—on audiences and on ourselves. It is a journey through the worlds of dream and documentation, at the heart of cinema’s history, drama, and sensory experience. Whether you are a programmer, researcher, or passionate viewer—this book is most certainly for you.