Goltzius and the Pelican Company by Peter Greenaway. A title from last year’s selection. Photo credit: telegraph.co.uk

The Louvre Museum polishes its lacquered floors for the 8th edition of its international film week on art. From January 28-February 1, the museum’s sprawling auditorium will host around 20 rare films dedicated to a broad spectrum of the arts, from music to dance, literature and architecture.

A tradition beginning in 2008, the Louvre offers a veritable motion pictured-excursion through artistic creation. The always unique and avant-garde program allows art neophytes and cinephiles alike to ruminate on the best art-infused films of the year. Films on art become bastions of sorts, encapsulating present-day cultural heritage. The celebratory curriculum covers a variety of relevant topics, from interviews with directors and talent, to a reflection on the role of art in our society and the need to protect public art.

The selections provide a looking glass through contemporary creation and aim to highlight the Louvre’s key cinematographic concerns: diffusion, education, and heritage.

Most of the directors will be on site for their film viewings or, in some cases, premieres. Notable guests will include Daniel Buren, Yervant Gianikian, Dani Karavan, Lech Majewski, Angela Ricci Lucchi, and Frederick Wiseman. A series of well-curated panel discussions are also scheduled.

Some of the highlights are National Gallery by Frederick Wiseman, Field of Dogs by Lech Majewski, Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Guernica by Alain Resnais. For the complete program, check the site.