Over the past two decades, Belgian cinema, be it from Flanders or from the French speaking part of the country, has risen to prominence in the international filmmaking arena, boasting richly diverse films that consistently garner critical praise and worldwide anticipation. From the unsettling but still urgently relevant MAN BITES DOG which rocked the Cannes Film Festival in 1992 and the quirky and vibrant tale of identity mix-up in TOTO THE HERO, to the monumental saga of DAENS or the Oscar nominated EVERYBODY FAMOUS, the outstanding thrillers
MEMORY OF A KILLER and DOSSIER K, and the string of critically-lauded dramatic works by the brilliant filial duo Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (ROSETTA, THE SON, THE CHILD, LORNA’S SILENCE), to the gripping social drama ILLEGAL and this year’s impressive crime drama BULLHEAD, the Belgian film industry has proven its dexterity in tone and its originality in aesthetic.
During last two year, the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, has continued a monthly Belgian Film Series in partnership with the American Cinemathèque as a celebration of Belgium’s Presidency of the European Union in the second half on 2010. Thanks to the great success of the series, ‘Grit and Whimsy’ returned on a permanent basis starting April 2011. Each third Wednesday of the month is Belgian movie night at the American Cinemathèque in Santa Monica! March 2012 film from this series is Germaine.
Germaine will be screened on Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 at 7:30 pm at the Aero Theatre 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Germaine
Directed by Frank Van Mechelen. It’s 1971. Germaine is 18 years old and lives with her parents and grandfather in a small house in Balen. Working in a supermarket, she listens to pop music and dreams of a better life when the workers at the town factory, including her own reluctant father, decide to go on strike. Although not supported by their Unions, the workers refuse to give in and hold out for three months. It changes their lives forever.
Based on a true story. In Dutch with English subtitles.
Belgian Film Series screenings in Los Angeles is organized by the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, in cooperation with Flanders Image and Wallonie Bruxelles Images, with the support of E.L.M.A. (European Languages and Movies in America).