On January 1, 2026, a new wave of cultural treasures entered the public domain. To celebrate this moment, Internet Archive Europe is bringing the spirit of Public Domain Day to Amsterdam with a special Public Domain Movie Night, while spotlighting the creativity of filmmakers from around the world through the Public Domain Film Remix Contest.
Public Domain Movie Night in Amsterdam
To mark Public Domain Day 2026, Internet Archive Europe invites you to an in‑person evening of film, conversation, and community.
📅 Friday, January 23, 2026
🕡 6:30–9:00 PM CET
📍Internet Archive Europe, Oudeschans 16, Amsterdam
👉 Register here to attend
During the evening, we will screen a selection of winning and shortlisted films from the Internet Archive’s Public Domain Film Remix Contest, watch a full newly-minted public domain movie, enjoy popcorn, and celebrate what becomes possible when culture returns to the commons. The event is designed as a relaxed community gathering—open to anyone curious about film, archives, remix culture, or the public domain.
Whether you are a filmmaker, researcher, artist, librarian, student, or simply a lover of cinema, this evening is a chance to experience how historical works can be transformed into something entirely new.
Why the Public Domain Matters
Every year, Public Domain Day reminds us that copyright is not meant to last forever. When works enter the public domain, they become part of our shared cultural heritage—available for education, preservation, creativity, and innovation.
The Class of 2026 is particularly rich. Iconic films, music, literature, and characters from the early twentieth century are now free to circulate and inspire new generations. Detectives, jazz, early animation, and classic cinema all play a starring role this year, highlighting how the public domain fuels cultural continuity and creative experimentation.
The Public Domain Film Remix Contest: Turning History into New Cinema
At the heart of this celebration is the Public Domain Film Remix Contest of the Internet Archive, an annual invitation to creators of all skill levels to experiment with public domain film and audiovisual materials.
The contest is not about technical perfection—it is about curiosity, play, and discovery. By remixing archival materials, participants demonstrate how old works can gain new meaning in contemporary contexts.
From Online Contest to Local Celebration
While the Film Remix Contest is global, Public Domain Movie Night in Amsterdam brings the celebration closer to home. By screening the winning films in person, Internet Archive Europe creates a space where digital culture, archival heritage, and local communities intersect.
The evening reflects Internet Archive Europe’s broader mission: universal access to all knowledge. It shows how archives are not static repositories, but living resources that invite participation, reinterpretation, and joy.
Join Us
- 🎬 Come watch award‑winning public domain remixes on the big screen
- 🍿 Meet fellow culture lovers and creators
- 🌍 Celebrate the public domain as a living, shared resource
Registration is required, and places are limited. You can register for the event via the official Luma page: https://luma.com/bmdhs6n2. We look forward to welcoming you to Amsterdam for an evening dedicated to film, creativity, and the enduring power of the public domain.
Because when culture enters the commons, everyone can create.
