Belgian Directors

Below are some of the best Belgium directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.

A Brief History of Belgian Cinema

Belgian cinema has a rich and diverse history, marked by its unique blend of cultural influences from both the French and Dutch-speaking communities within Belgium. The early years of Belgian cinema were characterised by the pioneering works of filmmakers in the silent film era. In the early 20th century, Belgian cinema primarily revolved around documentary and newsreel footage, with filmmakers like Charles Tutelier and Hippolyte De Kempeneer making significant contributions. The 1930s saw the emergence of the first Belgian feature films, with directors such as Charles Dekeukeleire and Henri Storck blending avant-garde techniques with narrative storytelling.

Post World War II, Belgian cinema entered a phase of transformation and innovation. During the 1950s and 1960s, André Delvaux emerged as a key figure, often referred to as the father of Belgian cinema. Delvaux’s films, such as “The Man Who Had His Hair Cut Short”, combined surrealism with a deep exploration of the human psyche, setting a high standard for the narrative and artistic quality of Belgian films. This period also saw the rise of filmmakers like Harry Kümel, whose works like “Daughters of Darkness” gained international acclaim. The 1970s and 1980s marked the emergence of a new generation of directors, including Chantal Akerman, whose avant-garde approach in films like “Jeanne Dielman” challenged conventional storytelling and placed Belgian cinema on the global map.

In recent decades, Belgian cinema has continued to flourish, with directors such as the Dardenne brothers, Luc and Jean-Pierre, gaining international recognition for their socially conscious and realistic portrayal of life in contemporary Belgium. Their films, like “Rosetta” and “The Child”, have won numerous awards at major international film festivals, including Cannes. Additionally, filmmakers like Erik Van Looy and Michaël R. Roskam have brought Belgian cinema into the realm of popular genres with films like “The Memory of a Killer” and “Bullhead”.