The Ghent International Film Week is a one-of-a-kind film event that brings bold and original cinema to the heart of Ghent. Taking place during Ghent Art Week, it offers a full week of challenging, innovative films from around the world—ranging from underground gems and experimental shorts to striking documentaries and daring feature films.

 

Formerly known as Obskuur, the festival has always focused on films that push boundaries. We believe cinema should not just entertain, but also provoke, inspire, and spark conversation.

 

Our screenings take place in the Velvet Room, a two story eclectic art space where film meets contemporary art, surrounded by works from artists like Nobuyoshi Araki, Larry Clark, and Shepard Fairey. It’s an intimate setting that brings audiences and filmmakers closer together.

 

We welcome adventurous viewers looking for something different. If you’re tired of predictable blockbusters and want to discover new voices and fresh perspectives, this is the place to be.

 

Join us from September 29 to October 5 for a week of unforgettable cinema—right in the middle of one of Belgium’s most exciting art events.

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A LAMB THAT CRIES, A CITY THAT WATCHES

Our logo features a lamb, a nod to one of Ghent’s most iconic and powerful images: the Mystic Lamb depicted in the central panel of the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.

In the altarpiece, the lamb stands on an altar, bleeding into a golden chalice—a symbol of sacrifice, purity, and spiritual transformation. For centuries, this image has captivated viewers in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, inviting reflection, awe, and even discomfort.

We embrace this symbol for its  emotional and visual power.
The crying lamb in our logo represents the very heart of our festival:
Vulnerability, truth, and the courage to be seen.

Just like the films we show, it dares you to look, to feel, to question.
It is an invitation—and a challenge.

 

ALL SELECTED FILMS RECEIVE A $500 WORTH RETURN

Although the festival has a rather underground feel, it offers great exposure and influence in the film festival industry. All the selected films will receive a film submission fee waiver package worth at least $500. This will allow you to enter your film free of charge in a dozen of other film festivals (Brussels Independent Film Festival, Venice Film Week, Boston Short Film Festival, Super Shorts, …)

 

PROUD PARTNER OF THE BIGGER SCREEN

Ghent International Film Week is supported by The Bigger Screen, an organisation that aims to make film as an art form more accessible and more inclusive. 

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Supporting Film Festivals: Film festivals are not only a place to share films, but they are a safe haven for film makers to connect, share, and learn. The Bigger Screens supports and engages with over 25 respected international film festivals from mainstays like the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival and the Brussels Independent Film Festival to emerging events such as the Venice Film Week and The Producer’s Night Los Angeles. These events bring filmmakers and filmgoers together, providing that place to connect and engage in a comfortable setting, away from Hollywood glitz and glamour.

 

Connecting Cultures Program: Each year, The Bigger Screen selects ten countries and grants filmmakers from those areas the ability to submit their work free of charge to partner festivals all over the world. This opens the door of film exposure to those who may not otherwise be able to enter. As we support inclusivity and shareable films, this program exemplifies our mission.

 

Local Filmmakers Program: We understand that the cost of making a film can be taxing, so to encourage rising talent, we waive the festival submission fee to local talent. With numerous worldwide locations for festivals, this provides great opportunity for filmmakers around the world to enter the international film scene. This opportunity opens the world of film. Think global, act local, right?

 

Inclusive Audience Program: Our screenings are always low or even free of charge to provide opportunity for interested film goers to view up and coming, challenging, and inspiring pieces of art, encouraging students, seniors, and those in underprivileged environments to share the experience of film and cinema. We welcome film goers, regardless of income and financial status.

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PREVIOUS EDITIONS

Find out all about the previous editions of the Ghent International Film Week: