Belgian Films Put on a Show of Force at Festivals as Global Co-Productions Increase

As a cinephile with a penchant for all things French and Belgian, I find myself utterly captivated by the vibrant cinematic landscape that is emerging from Belgium. The recent successes at Cannes and Venice have only served to further solidify my admiration for this small yet mighty nation.

In May, Belgian films produced with French collaboration reached their peak at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving recognition and praise throughout the event. Among these, “Ghost Trail,” which opened Critics’ Week, and “Emilia Pérez,” which won the jury and best actress prizes, were particularly notable. Out of the 11 Belgian co-productions celebrated, eight received backing from the Federation Wallonie-Bruxelles, while an equal number showcased a strong Francophone perspective.

At Venice, industry representatives continued to demonstrate their strength, highlighting domestic productions such as Fabrice Du Welz’s police thriller “Maldoror” and collaborative projects like Aude Léa Rapin’s sci-fi drama “Planet B” and Marie Losier’s music documentary “Peaches Goes Bananas”. Meanwhile, the younger producers seized the opportunity at the Lido to establish fresh collaborations that break away from conventional norms.

According to Jeanne Brunfaut, the director of Belgium’s Cinema and Audiovisual Center who speaks French, they are striving for maximum diversity. While they often collaborate with other Francophone countries, they aim to inspire their producers to explore beyond these borders, to gain insights into the vibrant scenes in Latin America and Scandinavia. This is with the intention of fostering enduring partnerships and expanding their sphere of influence.

At this year’s Venice Production Bridge, representatives from Francophone Belgium and Luxembourg co-starred under the banner “The Center of Attraction.” The Belgian team emphasized industry prospects, inviting 10 rising and established producers – some of whom were behind recent Cannes award winners such as “The Damned” and “Annette,” along with key figures in animation and documentary filmmaking – to showcase a broader spectrum of Brussels’ creative power.

Belgium is well-known for hosting the top European tax haven, alongside several additional beneficial public incentives. As a result, it has emerged as a thriving landscape for international film collaborations, particularly those with a strong social awareness.

In their home country, filmmakers Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, known for their Palme d’Or awards, have collaborated with other esteemed winners like Ken Loach and Cristian Mungiu on various projects. They also backed Michel Hazanavicius’ “The Most Precious of Cargoes” through their Les Films du Fleuve production company. The Belgian Cinema and Audiovisual Center has fostered such collaborations by offering a $1.3 million co-production fund. Eight films chosen for Cannes this year received financial aid from this fund.

Simultaneously, the film board is aiming to foster upcoming filmmakers by providing a production grant worth $166,000 to potential candidates who don’t necessarily need a completed script. This is different from typical film commission support that usually requires a finished script before consideration.

The incubator program has ignited several emerging productions, allowing Roue Libre Prods., based in Namur, to debut the gross-out comedy “Mother Schmuckers” at Sundance. Meanwhile, it encouraged Michigan Films, previously known for documentaries, to venture into dramatic features. This transition has been exceptionally beneficial, resulting in consecutive awards at Cannes for Paloma Sermon-Daï’s “It’s Raining in the House” in 2023 and Roberto Minervini’s “The Damned” this year. As a result, Michigan Film has solidified its position as a significant force in the European film industry.

Indeed, these new horizons transcend the festival scene as well. Starting this September, the Brussels-based action thriller “Night Call” will be released domestically, followed by a U.S. premiere through Magnet Releasing in the ensuing months. The film manages to capture an impressive level of Hollywood-style flair while igniting a unique kind of excitement – one that the film board aims to foster both locally and internationally.

Brunfaut asserts, “Belgian cinema is versatile. We can shine in the realm of social stories, nurture comedies, thrillers, and genre films. Continuous exploration and diversification are key. Our animation studios and post-production services have global recognition, and our technical prowess and creative visions can add depth to international projects. This is our identity, and it fosters lasting collaborations.

2024-09-07 22:46

Belgian Films Put on a Show of Force at Festivals as Global Co-Productions Increase

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