Gala & Specials
Film Fest Gent gladly helps you select your favourite films from our programme. Via Sections & Tags you can find out which films suit you best. In the section Gala & Specials you will find the biggest releases for the upcoming film year. From 19 September on, you can discover the films included in this section here.
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Opening Film: Small Things Like These
Small Things Like These, Belgian director Tim Mielants’ third feature, is the official opening film of Film Fest Gent 2024 and will kick off the 51st edition on Wednesday 9 October. The subdued yet poignant drama starring Oscar winner Cillian Murphy tells the story of a coal merchant in 1980s Ireland who discovers the local convent’s shocking secret.
"We cannot be prouder. Opening our 51st edition with a powerful international film directed by one of our own feels like a reward for everyone involved, including our audience. This strikingly understated yet gripping drama starring Cillian Murphy and Emily Watson wears the Belgian colours on its flag. Not only is the controlled direction in the hands of Tim Mielants, much of the (post-)production was overseen by Belgian creatives (editing, music, co-producers, and the extraordinary photography). For our festival, it’s a dream scenario to present an opening film with so much local talent."
Closing Film: The Weeping Walk
A funeral is usually the end, but in The Weeping Walk it is the beginning of a days-long journey across Flanders. On Saturday evening, Oct. 19, author and director Dimitri Verhulst will close the 51st edition of Film Fest Ghent with a big load of black humor and mischievous one-liners.