Pluk de Nacht 18,000 Worlds

World Cinema Amsterdam

One of the summer’s best film events, World Cinema Amsterdam is a weeklong celebration of films (including features and shorts) from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, shown at the De Balie, Rialto de Pijp and Rialto VU cinemas plus four open-air locations. All outdoor screenings are free of charge, and you’ll find plenty of Q&A sessions and food and music events on the agenda.

22-27 AUGUST, WORLDCINEMAAMSTERDAM.NL

Interweaving myths, rituals and dreams with everyday experiences, filmmaker Saodat Ismailova explores the invisible foundations of Central Asia in the exhibition 18,000 Worlds. Her nuanced works call attention to social issues surrounding ecology, religion and women’s rights as she investigates multilayered cultural histories. The Uzbekistanborn artist is an important voice within the first generation of artists from the region, and this monumental new exhibition at Eye Filmmuseum is her first major retrospective.

UNTIL 4 JUNE, EYEFILM.NL

Pathé Tuschinski

A stone’s throw from Rembrandtplein, the Pathé Tuschinski Cinema was voted the most stunning movie theatre in the world by Time Out. Commissioned by Abraham Icek Tuschinski in 1921, the interior and exterior blend several designs, with an emphasis on Art Deco. Like the decor, the films shown are also a mix of styles: Hollywood blockbusters play next to art-house darlings. Be sure to arrive early enough to gaze admiringly at the ornate ceiling.

REGULIERSBREESTRAAT 26-34, PATHE.NL/TUSCHINSKITHEATER

Housed in a church, Orgelpark is an international concert hall that gives the church organ a new face in contemporary music culture.

GERARD BRANDTSTRAAT 28 ORGELPARK.NL

Grachtenfestival

Every August, the classical music festival, Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) takes place across Amsterdam’s historic waterways and parks with pop-up stages set up under the trees, along the streets or floating on the water. Passers-by in boats often linger along the canals to enjoy the music played on the pontoons. The festival also has a Junior section, perfect for musical family time.

11-20 AUGUST GRACHTENFESTIVAL.NL