In Brussels, Cinema RITCS will be hosting a Jean Vigo retrospective, starting on 2 March. Ahead of the programme at Cinema RITCS, L’Atalante will also screen at KASKcinema on 24 February, in connection with the launch of Florian Deroo’s new book Barge Life (2024).

Children occupy a central place in Italian cinema, reflecting family life, society, and the challenges of growing up. A new film programme at CINEMATEK explores these themes across four films, each introduced by Claudio Serafini (Istituto Italiano di Cultura Brussels) and Wouter Hessels (RITCS).

Op 2 februari presenteert KASKcinema Een donkere spiegel, een film van Björn Schmelzer die zich beweegt door en langs de denkwereld van Belgisch kunstfilosoof Frank Vande Veire.

The En ville ! Film Festival returns to Brussels for its 7th edition, taking place in the city’s cinemas from 26 January to 1 February. A vibrant snapshot of contemporary Belgian and international non-fiction cinema, the festival brings together 27 films, including 18 Belgian premieres, to explore territories, imaginaries, and the people who inhabit and shape them.

From 23 to 31 January, Beursschouwburg hosts a free programme devoted to Brussels as lived, worked, and imagined, bringing together short and feature films by Brussels-based filmmakers.

Every year, the Belgian film school RITCS School of Arts organises a Winter School for its students. The 2026 edition will take place from Monday 12 to Thursday 15 January 2026, bringing together students from different disciplines for four days of transdisciplinary, research-based workshops centred on Italian filmmaker and writer Pier Paolo Pasolini.

From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 January 2026, Natlab in Eindhoven will host the ninth edition of the Netherlands Silent Film Festival (NSFF).

Bahram Beyzai, a prominent figure of Iranian cinema, passed away on 26 December.

Brigitte Bardot, one of the most recognisable and iconic actresses in 20th‑century cinema, passed away on 28 December. Her later years were marked by controversy: outspoken commentary on immigration, Islam, and national identity led to her alignment with far‑right causes in France and multiple convictions for racism and hate speech.

Sabzian is taking a break. We’ll be back on 5 January. Best wishes and Happy New Year!