As Belgium's weather turns inevitably gloomy, the ideal, cosy activity for these cooler days remains a trip to the cinema.
The Brussels Times has collated a guide of the best independent and art-house cinemas across the country, so you can enjoy a film on the big screen whilst supporting your local at the same time.
While some independent cinemas may be pricier than the bigger chains, you can see unlimited films in Brussels and Wallonia with a Cineville pass from just €18/month at many of the unique cinemas listed below.
Brussels
Cinéma Nova
As far as unconventional spaces go, Cinéma Nova tops the list. In stark contrast to the big chains, this non-profit cinema, which opened in January 1997, is largely run by a group of volunteers dedicated to screening independent productions with monthly themes.
Despite being around for over 25 years, Nova never fails to offer its visitors an eclectic programme of independent, contemporary and rare films.
Credit: Prashob Vadakoot / John Solitude
The large hall displays a singular charm with its decrepit walls, balcony, small orchestra pit and incredible ceiling. Open from Thursday to Sunday, this is the ideal place to see alternative films, old and new, in a unique setting. Nova have also recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to secure the future of the cinema.
Find more information here.
Cinematek
The Royal Belgian Film Archive – now called Cinematek – has one of the largest collection of films in the world, illustrating the history of film from its beginnings.
Cinematek brings cinema history to life, with an excellent daily programme of silent cinema screenings, anthologies and retrospectives from its vast collection. It is home to two screening rooms – with one seating no more than 27 people – and screens a varied selection from its library of over 70,000 different film titles.
Credit: visit.brussels / Bea Borgers
The institution releases its screening schedule every three months, which is divided thematically or by actors and directors. Live piano music accompanies silent projections – a ticket for which will set you back just €4, making it Brussels' cheapest cinema too.
Find more information here.
Cinéma Aventure
Tucked away in the bustling Galeries du Centre shopping mall and fully renovated in 2010, Cinéma Aventure boasts the most comfortable seats of any cinema in Brussels. Two screening rooms – a small blue one and a bigger red one – screen a selection of international art-house titles, documentaries, and more mainstream films which have made their way out of the bigger cinema chains.
Credit: Tripadvisor / Trainbleu
Known as the 'cinemas of documentaries', this establishment is a warm, welcoming place, where you can always count on friendly staff to point you in the right direction. It is said that King Baudouin – a great lover of film – liked to frequent it.
Find more information here.
Cinéma Palace
Located in the heart of Brussels, Palace is a place where the art of filmmaking is presented, discussed and shared. It boasts screening rooms equipped with the most modern facilities, a bar and restaurant, as well as meeting and exhibition spaces.
Credit: Bernard Boccara / visit.brussels
Palace aims to cater for everyone, from film buffs and professionals to occasional cinema-goers. It offer its visitors dinner with their film, followed by a drink to round off the evening. The cinema is also accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Find more information here.
Cinéma Vendôme
Cinema Vendôme first opened its doors in the Matonge quarter of Ixelles as a single screen cinema back in 1952. Since then, it has continuously brought some of the most thought-provoking films to Brussels.
Credit: The Brussels Times / Isabella Vivian
Following a series of periodic expansions – including the 1970s inauguration of the new screening rooms by Sophia Loren herself – Vendôme was crowned the first multiplex in Brussels.
This pioneer of quality cinema is now equipped with five screening rooms and a total capacity of around 900 seats. It screens a varied art-house and culturally-diverse programme throughout the year, as well as playing host to a number of film festivals.
Find more information here.
Cinéma Galeries
Cinéma Galeries offers a unique programme that ranges from the latest art-house releases to retrospectives of the greatest independent filmmakers (such as one on the work of David Lynch in 2014).
Credit: Cineville
Founded in 2012 and housed in the same architecturally-noteworthy building of the beloved Cinéma Arenberg (1932), Galeries is the youngest independent cinema in Brussels. It now boasts renovated halls and new digital projectors, lighting up two screens with the latest art-house titles daily.
Find more information here.
Wallonia
Cinéma Churchill, Liège
Churchill is among one of the three independent cinemas in Liège's city centre (the others being Sauvenière and Le Parc) and is just a stone's throw from Place Cathédrale.
Credit: Grignoux (Cinéma Churchill) / Facebook
Boasting a splendid art deco façade, it forms part of 'Les Grignoux' Walloon cinema group and gives pride of place to auteur and independent films as well as more mainstream productions. The cinemas are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Find more information here.
Caméo, Namur
Taken over by Les Grignoux and completely renovated in 2016, the charming Caméo cinema has five screening rooms and a brasserie called Caféo.
Credit: Cineville
Just like the other Les Grignoux cinemas in Liège, it showcases the best latest releases for young and old alike, and offers a wide range of evening events, from previews with film directors and crews to conferences and debates with associations, among others. All screening rooms are easily accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Find more information here.
Flanders
Sphinx Cinema, Ghent
Having recently hosted the 50th edition of Film Fest Gent, this cosy cinema can be found right in the centre of town and has five screening rooms spread across three floors.
Film Fest Gent at Sphinx Cinema in November 2021. Credit: JSolitude / Trip Advisor
Prices are generally lower than the bigger chains and the programme mainly consists of art-house films and classics but also blockbusters. Sphinx regularly invites guests and film critics and is one of the participating venues for Belgium's biggest annual film festival.
Cinema Cartoon's, Antwerp
Another cosy, independent cinema in Flanders, this establishment prides itself on only screening alternative films. Cinema Cartoon's has just three rooms and is located in Antwerp's city centre.
Credit: Cinema Cartoon's / Google photos
The third screening room is up a flight of stairs, but the friendly staff will be more than happy to arrange a downstairs rooms for those with reduced mobility if given plenty of notice.
Find more information here.
