Restored Begotten Will Open at IFC Center
The experimental black-and-white horror film returns to New York screens beginning October 1, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Horror
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The IFC Center in Manhattan will screen a restored version of the 1989 horror film Begotten starting on October 1, 2026. Directed by E. Elias Merhige, the production is widely known for its unique visual aesthetic and experimental history.
Why it matters
The screening offers a rare opportunity to view this cult experimental work in its original format. The film remains a notable example of independent horror production and technical manual labor in the late 20th century.
Begotten was shot on 16-millimeter film stock and required four years to complete. The filmmaker created the final look by rephotographing footage on a homemade optical bench.
The players
E. Elias Merhige
He is the director of the film Begotten and a notable figure in experimental cinema.
IFC Center
It is an independent cinema located in Manhattan that specializes in screening art-house, documentary, and repertory films.
Evan Albam
He is the composer responsible for the haunting score featured in the film.
Janet Maslin
She is a prominent critic who previously reviewed the film for the New York Times in 1991.
The details
Director E. Elias Merhige utilized a homemade optical bench to rephotograph the original footage one frame at a time to achieve the film's distinct look. The resulting black-and-white horror production, which features a score by Evan Albam, maintains a visual intensity that first garnered attention from critics like Janet Maslin in 1991.
Timeline
Begotten was first released in 1989.
Janet Maslin reviewed the film for the New York Times in 1991.
The film opens at the IFC Center on October 1, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The theatrical re-release of Begotten highlights the ongoing cultural trend of preserving and screening experimental 20th-century cinema in independent venues. This movement continues the dialogue established by the 1991 New York Times review of Begotten by Janet Maslin.
Viewers can experience this restored 16-millimeter production in a theatrical setting at the IFC Center in Manhattan. Tickets and specific showtime details for the October 1 opening are available to the public.
The takeaway
The return of this project demonstrates the enduring interest in experimental, labor-intensive film techniques from the pre-digital era. Audiences interested in horror history should note that this specific version is presented in a restored 16-millimeter format.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming screenings in the city, visit the Horror section.
More information
To purchase tickets or view the full schedule, visit the IFC Center official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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