This weekend is the last chance to attend Pink Screens, the volunteer-run queer cinema festival that every November draws people from all corners of Europe and the LGBTQ community to the Belgian capital.
For ten days, the festival celebrating queer identity and LGBTQ cinema – taking place from 9 to 18 November this year – takes over independent venues such as Nova, Aventure, Galleries, Palace and Beursschouwburg in Brussels with over 100 screenings from around the world.
"With around 7,000 people, this year is another very successful edition," Clémentine Delisse, one of the volunteers organising the festival, told The Brussels Times. "Every year, it is very inspiring and heartwarming to see. While the festival is for everyone interested in cinema, it is always an important moment for the community in Brussels."
Something for everyone
The diverse programme features films on various subjects and all kinds of (sexual) identities. The range of genres is also broad – from drama and romance to cartoons and even porn. "We try to find a balance so we have something for all tastes and represent as many people as possible."
The festival puts Brussels on the international stage, with not only queer people travelling to discover important films that they might not be able to see in cinemas at other times of the year. "These ten days are all about visibility and sharing ideas with everyone who wants to partake."
Now on its 22nd edition, Pink Screens has never been a competitive film festival although organisers are taking the opportunity to highlight Belgian cinema, with two jury prizes introduced: one for the best Belgian short film and one for the best artistic contribution. The winners receive €1,000 from Brussels City for Culture.
In addition to cinema screenings, the festival also organises an exhibition, discussions and debates with important organisations working with the community. The event finishes with a big closing party on Saturday (that is already sold out).
The festival has grown significantly over the years, as has its impact on the LGBTQ scene in Brussels, Belgium and even Europe. "Pink Screens started as just three days with screenings only taking place in Cinema Nova. Now we have a ten-day festival spread across numerous cinemas in the city," Delisse said.
"We keep growing but every year the screenings are full. So it seems that people like the quality and diversity of our programme. For the mainstream public there is something to discover but that is also still true for the people in the community."
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As well as being a celebration of pride, the festival is a big moment for the community to mix and meet, and pass on knowledge and experiences across generations. "There is always a lot of debate and reflection. It's a great occasion to see and reflect on what it is like to be gay or trans today, it gives us a lot of visibility."
Pink Screens has been bringing people together for 22 years and hopes to be able to continue to do so for many more. "With new subjects, angles and visions to explore every year, we hope we can remain relevant for the community, the public and Brussels."
More information about Pink Screen's programme during the last few days of the festival can be found on its webite.
