Take 9: Brussels International Film Festival set for September

Traditionally held in June, the Brussels International Film Festival (BRIFF) is now set to kick off the autumn film festival season with nine days of cinema, competitions and classes from 4 to 12 September.

The film extravaganza features previews, Belgian and international films, retrospectives, open-air screenings and meetings with prestigious guests.

Designed for the public and passionate film buffs alike, the ninth edition of BRIFF will take place at UGC De Brouckère, the Cinema Galéries and at Cinema Palace. This means that cinemagoers possessing UGC (for De Brouckère) or Cineville (for the Galéries and Palace cinemas) cards can access all the films for free.

The focus of BRIFF is three competitions that highlight the best of contemporary filmmaking. First, the International Competition brings together films making their Belgian première, directed by filmmakers worldwide. These include Notre Salut by Emmanuel Marre (pictured above), Rose by Markus Schleinzer, starring Sandra Hüller, and Abdallah Alkhatib’s Chronicles from the Siege.

Secondly, the National Competition showcases the richness, diversity and creativity of Belgian cinema through a selection of the year’s most notable works including The Silent Treatment by Caroline Strubbe and the documentary Du Soleil et Du Plomb by Jérôme le Maire.

Thirdly, Directors’ Week shines a spotlight on the next generation of European filmmakers, whose writing is already shaping the cinema of tomorrow. The first titles to be revealed in this category include Ivan & Hadoum by Ian de la Rosa and Home Stories by Eva Trobisch. A Young Jury of 18-25 year olds will award its own prize for this competition.

BRIFF also stages the ‘Once Upon a Time’ section – a selection of films honouring female directors who have made their mark on cinematic history; and ‘Green Planet’, that focuses on ecological issues and the changing environment and will include expert debates and meetings.

To accompany the current Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, BRIFF is also focusing on Irish cinema. Among the highlights are The Quiet Girl by Colm Bairéad (pictured above) and Young Plato by Neasa Ní Chianáin and Declan McGrath.

Aimed at all generations, BRIFF further features a Youth & Families programme with tailored screenings, creative workshops, introductions to film criticism, and activities centred on the visual arts.

To accompany the festival, BRIFF Village on Place de Brouckère with its bar, terrace, concerts and ‘meet-and-greets’ offers endless opportunities for socialising.

Finally, at Mont des Arts, two free open-air sunset screenings will round off the programme, offering the public classic and mainstream films.

Photos: ©BRIFF; Notre salut film still ©Kidam Michigan Films; The Quiet Girl