Belgian cinema continues to strengthen its presence on the international stage, with Wallonia emerging as an increasingly visible force, attracting the attention of major festivals and audiences beyond Belgium.
This growing international presence can be seen through a number of local productions making their way to major film events around the world. Drawing on Belgian history and collective memory, these films are also finding ways to connect with international audiences.
One of the examples is Michaël R. Roskam’s “Le Faux Soir,” which is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, before heading to the San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it will serve as the closing film.
The film revisits one of the most remarkable stories of Belgian resistance during the Second World War. In 1943, under the Nazi occupation of Belgium, a group of resistance fighters secretly produced and distributed a fake edition of “Le Soir,” a newspaper that was then under the control of the German occupying authorities.
Beyond retelling this historical episode, the film sheds light on different aspects of the Belgian resistance, including its courage, sense of humour and resilience in the face of occupation.
The international spotlight on the film comes as Wallonie-Bruxelles Images (WBImages) celebrates its 40th anniversary. For four decades, the organisation has worked to promote cinema and audiovisual productions from Belgium’s French-speaking community, helping them reach international markets and festivals.
As more Walloon productions make their way to major festivals and international platforms, local cinema is increasingly looking beyond its borders by drawing on the strength of its own stories.
From Belgian history to stories of resistance and collective memory, these films demonstrate how local stories can transcend geographical borders and become cinema capable of reaching audiences around the world.
Jihen zemzmi
