As the curtains close on another remarkable edition of Il Cinema Ritrovato, we are reflecting on a captivating week that celebrated the enduring power of cinema, restoration, and storytelling.
Il Cinema Ritrovato (‘Cinema Rediscovered’) is an annual film festival organised every year in Bologna, Italy – showcasing the latest restored works from cinematographic archives and film laboratories around the world.
We were thrilled to attend the 2025 festival alongside Hammer Films and Silver Salt Restoration. Together, they brought classic British cinema back into the spotlight with two newly restored films featured in the programme. The Quatermass Xperiment and Four Sided Triangle are two seminal works from Hammer’s early catalogue that set the stage for a legacy of innovation in filmmaking. The packed screenings were a testament to Hammer’s influence on science fiction and horror, with audiences enjoying the films’ atmospheric tension and pioneering spirit.
Both Hammer films were recently restored by Silver Salt Restoration from the original film elements, utilising cutting-edge technology and refined focus on detail. Their technical expertise and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the original prints while enhancing the viewing experience is second to none, and we were delighted to see their efforts recognised by fellow industry professionals and cinema lovers alike.
Mark Bonnici, MD of Silver Salt Restoration, says: “Silver Salt, Hammer Films, and Il Cinema Ritrovato are the perfect match. At Silver Salt we are committed to preserving cinematic legacy, including restoring Hammer Films’ immense contribution to cinema, and so now it seems fitting that this festival is the place to see these films brought back to life on the big screen.”
Il Cinema Ritrovato is a beacon for cinephiles around the world, and this year’s celebration of restored and classic cinema serves as a pertinent reminder of the importance of preserving cinematic heritage.
