25/07/2026
IL CINEMA RITROVATO 2026 – PART 12 – THE GRAND CHAPLIN FINALE
The grand finale of this photographic journey through Il Cinema Ritrovato XL/2026 could only belong to one name: Charlie Chaplin.
After twelve parts dedicated to discoveries, restorations, forgotten treasures and unforgettable moments from the festival, this final chapter celebrates one of the greatest artists in the history of cinema with A Dog’s Life (1918) and Shoulder Arms (1918), two masterpieces featuring the unforgettable Little Tramp. Presented in their original 1918 versions, before the later re-editing made by Chaplin for The Chaplin Revue (1959), the films return to audiences thanks to a remarkable 4K restoration by MoMA in collaboration with Cineteca di Bologna, under the aegis of Association Chaplin and Roy Export S.A.S. The restoration reconstructed the original versions as faithfully as possible, bringing back a form of the films unseen for nearly a century, recovering first-choice takes, original intertitles and the authentic rhythm intended by Chaplin.
Introduced by Dave Kehr (MoMA) and Arnold Lozano (Association Chaplin / Roy Export), the Piazza Maggiore screening featured the original music composed by Charles Chaplin, adapted and directed by Timothy Brock, performed live by Orchestra Senzaspine.
A perfect ending to a journey through more than a century of cinema: from the earliest moving images to Chaplin’s timeless masterpieces, every restored frame represents a dialogue between memory, preservation and the audiences of today.
A FINAL PERSONAL NOTE
I know very well that this kind of work does not always receive the attention it deserves from social media algorithms. After twelve parts dedicated to Il Cinema Ritrovato 2026, documenting restorations, archives, musicians, filmmakers and the people who keep cinema history alive, I would like to thank everyone who followed this journey.
During these weeks, while sharing my photographs, I have also received attacks and attempts to discourage this work. However, they have in part reinforced my belief that documenting and sharing culture, cinema history and memory remains important.
Creating these photographic reports requires time, dedication, travel and equipment. If you have appreciated this journey and would like to support my work, you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee (link below). Every contribution, even a small one, helps me continue documenting festivals, archives, restorations and cultural events.
Thank you to everyone who followed, shared and supported these twelve chapters. Your appreciation is what allows this journey to continue.
Cineteca di Bologna - Bologna Welcome - Comune di Bologna - MoMA The Museum of Modern Art - Charlie Chaplin - Timothy Brock - Orchestra Senzaspine - - Charlie Chaplin is For The Ages -
@2026 Valerio Greco Photography