In Advance of Public Domain Day 2026: The PD Film Remix Contest

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Just around the new year bend is the celebration January 21 of Public Domain Day celebration all the works that enter the public domain in 2026. In the United States, this is the opening of works from the 1930s, and Wikipedia tracks the works that will enter from different countries in 2026.

But check out the Internet Archive’s announcement of its 2026 Public Domain Film Remix Contest

Public Domain Film Remix Contest features a cartoon figure sitting cross legged in a Directs Chair, the torso and head represented by an open padlock.
Public Domain Film Remix Contest features a cartoon figure sitting cross legged in a Directs Chair, the torso and head represented by an open padlock.1920×1080 211 KB

We invite filmmakers, artists, and creatives of all skill levels and backgrounds to celebrate Public Domain Day, by creating and uploading a 2-3 minute short film to the Internet Archive.

This contest offers a chance to explore and reimagine the creative treasures entering the public domain, especially works from 1930 that will enter the public domain on January 1—classic literature, early sound films, cartoons, music, and art. Participants are encouraged to use materials from the Internet Archive’s collections to craft unique films that breathe new life into these cultural gems.

See full details and examples of past winning films https://blog.archive.org/2025/12/01/2026-public-domain-day-remix-contest/.

Indeed these are quite high end examples of video work (beyond my chops for sure), but if I was teaching media, I might make this asn assignment for students, or even scaled back, using media coming i the public domain to create posters. Regardless of your art skills, it’s worthwhile taking in the submissions that others make, and also just championing the value of works eventually entering the public domain.

Will you be doing anything to create awareness of Public Domain Day? Please tell us more.

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Thank you for sharing this exciting update about Public Domain Day and the upcoming 2026 Public Domain Film Remix Contest. It’s inspiring to see how these initiatives encourage creativity and highlight the importance of works entering the public domain.

Fortunately, I am currently writing a research paper requested by the Sudanese Library and Information Association on “Envisioning the Future of Public Libraries in Light of Technological Developments and the Promotion of Digital Culture.”
This topic aligns well with the spirit of Public Domain Day, especially as open access and the reuse of cultural heritage materials become more central to library services.

I look forward to following the activities and creative submissions for Public Domain Day, and I appreciate the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the value of the public domain.

Thank you again for the invitation to engage with this important discussion.

Best regards
Wisal Alim
Sudan :sudan:

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As a followup, as they do every year, Duke University’s Center for the Study of Law and the Public Domain offers the roundup of works entering the public domain in 2026

This includes books ranging from Agatha Christie’s The Murder at the Vicarage to Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontents (in original German), cartoons like Betty Boop and more Mickey Mouse animations, films like Hitchcock’s Murder! and All Quiet on the Western Front, music such as Livin’ in the Sunlight, Lovin’ in the Moonlight and Sousa’s The Royal Welch Fusiliers. and art works such as José Clemente Orozco’s Prometheus and Paul Klee’s Tierfreundschaft (Animal Friendship)– just to sample a few.

See a full recap in this video summary

All of this happens on January 1, 2026, when more works finally enter the public domain (in the US).

Wishing all a Happy New Public Domain Day/Year!