2026 Orphan Film Symposium
Started in 1999, the Orphan Film Symposium is a regular gathering of international archivists, filmmakers, and scholars who explore neglected works from across film history.
Film/Video Theater
What is an orphan film? Narrowly defined it’s a motion picture abandoned by its owner or caretaker. More generally the term refers to all manner of films outside of the commercial mainstream, including public domain materials, home movies, medical films, unreleased films, industrial and educational movies, ethnographic films, newsreels, experimental pieces, and more.
The Wex is proud to host the 15th NYU Orphan Film Symposium April 8–11. Scholars, archivists, filmmakers, media artists, musicians, curators, preservationists, collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts will explore a variety of neglected works and moving image artifacts through screenings, lectures, panels, and more.
For more information including the schedule and to register, please visit the Orphan Film Symposium website.