Contemporary Belgian cinema

Since then Belgian cinema has come a long way. Zahir Raihan Film Society, in association with the Alliance Francaise of Dhaka, screens six recent films made by Francophone Belgian filmmakers till 13th October. The film enthusiasts of the city had the rare opportunity to view some of the landmark films of contemporary Belgian cinema.

Contemporary Belgian cinema is characterised by a division between several linguistic, communal and cultural perspectives and traditions, which has a profound impact on it. The Belgian 'split screen' consists of three major factors, each determined by the 'tripartite paradigm' of political, cultural, and economic forces.

Contemporary Belgian films have gained enough popularity, critical acclaim, and awards abroad. Among the two linguistic divisions (French and Dutch/Flemish), the Francophone-Belgian cinema is dominant and prominent. However, the Dutch/Flemish-language Belgian cinema just falls short. Among the renowned contemporary Francophone-Belgian filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, Chantal Akerman, Gerard Corbiau, Jaco van Dormael, Frederic Fonteyne, Remy Belvaux and Lucas Belvaux are considered most talented.

This special session of contemporary Belgian films consists of My Life in Pink by Alain Berliner, The Eighth Day by Jaco van Dormael, Farinelli by Gerard Corbiau, and The Promise, Rosetta and The Son, all three by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne. Recent Belgian films are favourite in the international Festival circuits, especially at Cannes Film Festival. Rosetta won the 'Golden Palm' and Best Actress Award in 1999, The Eighth Day won the Best Actors Award in 1996, The Son also won the Best Actor Award, in 2002. My Life in Pink won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.