Old Reels, New Cities: When Hollywood Classics Cross the Atlantic and Beyond

A silent film from 1925 flickers to life in Paris, while a 1940s romantic comedy lights up a Chicago screen—these are just a few of the cinematic journeys made possible by the Library of Congress’s film loan program. Each month, rare and restored movies travel from the Library’s vaults to theaters around the world, offering audiences a chance to experience film history in its original format. From 35mm prints of pre-war dramas to digital restorations of nearly forgotten gems, these screenings bridge continents and generations. The careful preservation work by the Library’s NAVCC lab ensures that even a 1930s screwball comedy or a 1940s noir can still captivate a modern crowd. Whether in Berlin, Los Angeles, or Minnesota, these traveling reels remind us that film is a living, breathing part of our shared heritage—always ready for its next close-up, wherever the projector whirs to life. #FilmHeritage #LibraryOfCongress #ClassicCinema #Culture