Brussels to launch free open-air cinema this summer

Free open-air cinemas are coming back to Brussels this summer, as ‘Bruxelles fait son cinéma’ will bring back the big screen to 16 different places across the Capital Region for the 22nd time.

Since 2001, Brussels has been hosting free open-air screenings in places that are sometimes little known in various municipalities, giving people the opportunity to see their neighbourhood in a different light.

“The films offered are aimed at the discovery of quality cinema by as wide an audience as possible,” the organisation said.

“For people who usually do not go to the cinema, it is an opportunity to rediscover the pleasure of watching a film on the big screen, in an unusual setting and a warm and friendly atmosphere.”

The festival opens on 1 July in the municipality of Ganshoren at the Chateau de Rivieren with the French film ‘Presque’. The following days, movies will be screened in the open air in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Evere, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Schaerbeek, Auderghem, Jette and Koekelberg, as well as in several parks.

A big screen will also be set up in Parc du Petit-Scheut in Anderlecht (6 July), Parc de Wolvendael in Uccle (8 July), and in the Forest Abbey (9 July) and even on a rugby pitch in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (13 July).

All screenings start at dusk, around 22:10, but everyone is welcome to choose a good seat from 21:30 onwards.

The initiative will take place from 1 to 15 July and is supported by the Francophone Community Commission (Cocof), as it aims to bring the movie experience to neighbourhoods without cinemas.

All films, dates and locations can be found on the ‘Bruxelles fait son cinéma’ website.