Brussels is preparing for another major celebration of cinema as the Brussels International Film Festival (BRIFF) returns from 4 to 12 September, bringing a diverse
programme of Belgian and international films to venues across the capital.
Now in its ninth edition, BRIFF will combine international premieres, competitive screenings, emerging filmmakers, retrospectives and special events, offering audiences nine days of cinema across some of Brussels’ best-known theatres.
The festival will officially open on 4 September with Notre Salut, the latest film by Belgian director Emmanuel Marre. The historical drama, starring Swann Arlaud and Sandrine Blancke, is set in France in 1940 against the backdrop of the rise of the Vichy regime. The film recently received the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival and will have its Belgian premiere as part of BRIFF’s international competition.
The international competition will feature a broad selection of contemporary films, including several Belgian premieres. Among the titles being presented for the first time to Belgian audiences are Rose, directed by Markus Schleinzer, and Chronicles from the Siege, by Abdallah Alkhatib.
Spotlight on Belgian filmmakers
A central part of the festival will be its national competition, dedicated to showcasing the latest work produced by Belgian filmmakers.
The programme brings together fiction, documentaries, docufiction and animation, giving audiences an opportunity to discover some of the country's most distinctive recent productions. Among the selected films are Gregor by Manu Gomez, Radio Bonheur by Valéry Rosier and The Silent Treatment by Caroline Strubbe.
BRIFF will also turn its attention to a new generation of European directors through its Directors' Week. The section is designed to showcase emerging voices and filmmakers developing fresh approaches to contemporary storytelling.
Among the films selected are Iván & Hadoum by Ian de la Rosa, Home Stories by Eva Trobisch, Petty Thieves by Mate Ugrin and Shana by Lila Pinell.
Cinema beyond the competition
BRIFF's programme extends well beyond its three main competitions. Through its Once Upon a Time section, the festival will revisit cinema history with a selection of works by female directors whose contributions have had a lasting influence on the medium.
The Green Planet programme will focus on environmental challenges and the transformations taking place in the modern world. Screenings will be accompanied by discussions and meetings with experts, creating opportunities to examine environmental issues through the lens of cinema.
The festival will also showcase Irish cinema, marking Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union with a dedicated selection of films from the country.
Film, music and open-air screenings
Screenings will take place throughout the nine-day festival at venues including UGC De Brouckère, Cinéma Galeries and Cinéma Palace.
The festival atmosphere will extend beyond the cinemas. The BRIFF Village at De Brouckère Square will provide a social meeting point with a bar and free concerts, while the Mont des Arts will host free open-air film screenings, allowing audiences to enjoy cinema in one of Brussels' most recognisable public spaces.
With its combination of premieres, competitions, retrospectives, discussions, music and outdoor events, this year's BRIFF is set to turn central Brussels into a meeting place for filmmakers, industry professionals and film lovers.
The complete programme, screening schedule and ticket information are available through the official BRIFF website. Photo by Riki, Wikimedia commons.