Film Fest Ghent 2025: A Diverse Celebration of Cinema.

The festival will kick off and conclude with bold debut films: The opening Film is: Julian by Cato Kusters and closing Film: Urchin by Harris Dickinson. In total, Film Fest Gent will present 119 feature films, 38 short films, 2 TV series, and 2 VR projects, providing a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers. The festival will also celebrate Belgian cinema with significant films such as Julian, L’intérêt d’Adam by Laura Wandel, and Fantastique by Marjolijn Prins.

The international jury, chaired by acclaimed actress Theresa Russell, will award several prestigious prizes, including the Grand Prix for Best Film. Additionally, Theresa Russell will receive the Joseph Plateau Honorary Award during the festival. This year’s international competition theme focuses on “the impact of sound and music on film.” In response to the growing interest in short films, the festival will feature four international short film programs, highlighting a trend towards autofiction and personal storytelling. Film Fest Gent will commemorate the 25th World Soundtrack Awards and the festival will also host a concert titled Minimalism in Motion: Glass, Nyman and Beyond, honoring pioneers of minimalist music.

Nicolas Roeg (1928-2018).

The festival will showcase two VR projects produced in Ghent: A Long Goodbye by Kate Voet and Victor Maes (Achievement Prize, Venice) and The Great Escape by Joren Vandenbroucke And in collaboration with S.M.A.K., the festival will highlight the work of influential American filmmaker James Benning, including his latest film 'little boy'. For the retrospective section of the festival, Classics, curator Patrick Duynslaegher presents Fractured Visions, a psychedelic journey through the radical and experimental works of British director Nicolas Roeg (1928-2018). Roeg's films feature fragmented narratives, bold crosscutting, and mental landscapes, showcasing his mastery of editing and composition. His wife, Theresa Russell, will be present.

Film Fest Gent 2025, October 8 to 19, Location: Ghent, Belgium. Tickets are available through the official Film Fest Gent website. Various ticket options are offered, including single-day tickets, festival passes, and special discounts for students and seniors. For more details about the program, ticket sales, and other information, visit the official website: https://www.filmfestival.be/en