In the summer, you don’t always feel like cooping up in a dark theater. Good news: the “Bruxelles fait son cinéma” festival is back with the perfect alternative for summer evenings. For nearly a month, recent and acclaimed films will be screened for free outdoors, in some of Brussels’ lesser-known spots. An ideal opportunity to enjoy great cinema… while rediscovering the city in a whole new light.
An open-air film festival in unusual locations across Brussels
Since 2001, “Bruxelles fait son cinéma” has been reviving the spirit of the old neighborhood movie theaters. The concept is simple but incredibly effective… Setting up a giant outdoor screen in the 19 municipalities of Brussels and offering free screenings open to everyone.
Hidden parks, little-known squares, abbey gardens, schoolyards, and even rugby fields will be transformed this summer into true open-air movie theaters. The festival also highlights Brussels’ cultural diversity with a program featuring films from all corners of the world, blending socially conscious films, human dramas, heartfelt comedies, and gems of Mediterranean cinema. For this 26th edition, some films will also be preceded by Belgian short films selected in collaboration with the Brussels Short Film Festival.
“La Petite Dernière,” “Partir un jour,” “Les Baronnes”… a very promising lineup
Once again this year, the lineup features a mix of acclaimed arthouse films, international discoveries, and notable Belgian productions. Among the most anticipated films is La Petite Dernière by Hafsia Herzi, a bold and moving portrait of a young woman seeking emancipation. Fans of social satire will also be able to discover *Classe Moyenne*. It is a biting comedy starring Laurent Lafitte, Laure Calamy, and Ramzy Bedia.
The festival will also feature *Partir un jour*, a feel-good musical film full of nostalgia and emotion. Or *La Venue de l’avenir* by Cédric Klapisch, a funny and poetic epic set between the past and the present. When it comes to socially conscious cinema, it’s hard to overlook La Voix by Hind Rajab… It’s a truly powerful film by Kaouther Ben Hania about the tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Or Palestine 36, a grand historical epic about the Arab revolt under British mandate.
Belgian productions will also play a prominent role. Notably with *Têtes Brûlées*, a sensitive portrait of Brussels youth grappling with grief. But also *Les Baronnes*, a tender and political comedy about four grandmothers from Molenbeek who decide to take the stage. Film lovers can also discover The Tasters, inspired by a true story set during World War II; Sorda, a deeply moving story about deafness and motherhood; and Gioia Mia, a sunny and delicate chronicle of a summer in Sicily.
A screen under the stars, free of charge and no reservation required
As every year, all screenings are completely free and open to the public without reservation. Screenings begin at nightfall, around 10:10 p.m., while the audience can enjoy a bar and light refreshments on site starting at 9 p.m. The films will be shown in their original language with French subtitles or bilingual FR-NL subtitles, depending on the screening. Chairs will be provided, but it’s best to arrive early or bring a small folding chair for the most popular evenings.
And even though the Belgian weather can sometimes throw a curveball, screenings will go on as scheduled in the event of light rain. All venues are also accessible to people with reduced mobility. With a mix of recent films, a friendly atmosphere, and unique locations, “Bruxelles fait son cinéma” is once again shaping up to be one of the best free summer events in the capital.
Check out the full program here!
