2026 edition
The must-attend event
For all cinema lovers
For nine days, Brussels’ most beautiful cinemas (UGC De Brouckère, Cinéma Galeries, and Cinéma Palace) come alive with screenings, red carpets, and encounters with film teams.
On the program: highly anticipated premieres, rare films from all over the world, gripping competitions, tributes to cinema legends, open-air screenings, and concerts.
A festival designed as much for the general public as for passionate film lovers, and for anyone who simply dreams of experiencing cinema in a different way.
three competitions
On contemporary cinema
Through these competitions, the festival highlights outstanding works and celebrates the talent of filmmakers and their teams. By rewarding those who make contemporary cinema, it helps films reach a wider audience, broaden their visibility, and support their journey far beyond the festival itself.
International Competition
Powerful stories from around the world, presented as Belgian premieres. Here, future international successes meet singular works that you may never otherwise have the chance to see on the big screen. A borderless cinema, driven by a universal message.
National Competition
Belgian cinema in all its richness and diversity. A selection of the year’s most outstanding works, showcasing the quality, creativity, and vitality of a constantly evolving national production, more in the spotlight than ever.
Directors' Week
All the latest festival news and film updates straight to your inbox.
out of competition
Intersecting perspectives on the world and cinema
From retrospectives to curated programs, including explorations of the major questions of our time, these programs invite audiences to experience cinema in new ways. A series of events to discover inspiring works, revisit cinematic heritage, and open your eyes wider.
Heritage - Once upon a time
From pioneering figures to essential voices of contemporary cinema, this retrospective celebrates female filmmarkers who have transformed the way we see the world through film. A selection of classics and timeless works honoring key voices in the global cinematic heritage.
Belgian Panorama
Alongside the National Competition, the BRIFF presents a showcase of the Belgian films that have made their mark over the past year. If you missed them, this is your chance to (re)discover the works that have shaped the Belgian film landscape and highlight a new generation of emerging filmmakers.
Green Planet
When cinema sheds light on the major issues of our time. Green Planet opens a dialogue on environmental challenges and the transformations shaping the world around us. Engaging documentaries, talks with experts: films that inspire, raise awareness, and imagine other possibilities. A special selection curated by the festival À travers champs.
Special Screenings
Focus on Ireland
* Some screenings offer accessibility features for people who are blind or visually impaired, or deaf or hard of hearing.
Don’t miss it
Experience, share, celebrate cinema
Opening & Closing ceremonies
Two exceptional evenings to open and close the festival in style. Prestigious premieres, distinguished guests, and an awards ceremony celebrating films acclaimed by both juries and audiences.
Inspiring guests & Masterclasses
Chaque édition accueille des grands noms du cinéma. L'occasion de découvrir leur parcours, d'écouter leurs secrets de tournage, de revivre leurs films cultes et de partager un moment privilégié avec celles et ceux qui font vibrer le grand écran.
Open air screenings
At Mont des Arts, cinema comes to life across the city and is experienced under the open sky. Two free screenings, open to everyone, to share a magical moment together at sunset. On the program: cinema classics and audience favorites.
Village vibes & concerts
The BRIFF can also be enjoyed with a drink and live music. At Place de Brouckère, the Village, the beating heart of the festival, welcomes festival-goers, curious visitors, and passersby every day. An open-access terrace, concerts, encounters, and social moments: enjoy a welcoming, open space that brings people together.
youth & families
A festival for all generations
The BRIFF welcomes young audiences and their families. Age-appropriate screenings, creative workshops, casting sessions, introductions to film criticism and hands-on camera work… An immersive experience to discover cinema.
A Young Jury, made up of five people aged 18 to 25, also awards its own prize within Directors’ Week.
briff industry
Brussels, a hub for film professionals
Rooted in the heart of Europe’s capital, the BRIFF Industry section supports film professionals through a program of events, networking, and training designed to address the current challenges of the industry.
By fostering exchanges, collaborations in Belgium and abroad, and the emergence of new voices, this section of the festival supports filmmaking and helps shape the future of European cinema.
NEWS
VALENTINE
Thursday 10 september | 7:30 PM | BRIFF VILLAGE Valentine Brognion draws her inspiration from a family in which music has always played a central role. A singer-songwriter and guitarist,…
GLOW IN A HURRICANE
Tuesday 8 September | 7PM | BRIFF VILLAGE GLOW IN A HURRICANE is a Brussels-based electro-rock band made up of four musicians aged between 16 and 18. Drawing on a progressive electro-rock sound, they take inspiration…
ONE NINE TWO NINE + STRINGS
Sunday 6 September | 7PM | BRIFF VILLAGE One Nine Two Nine is a Brussels-based duo featuring Danish singer Sisse Bro and Belgian guitarist Manuel Roland. Blending elements of folk and contemporary pop, the duo explores sophisticated…
Belgian Panorama. Missed them? Here’s your chance to see them on the big screen.
La Danse des renards, Julian, L’intérêt d’Adam, Les filles du ciel, On vous croit… Alongside the National Competition, BRIFF presents a Panorama of standout Belgian films from the past year.…
Radio Bonheur, the opening film of the National Competition
Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 PM, at Cinema Palace In the presence of Valéry Rosier and the film team With Radio Bonheur, Valéry Rosier offers a bittersweet portrait of loneliness, the…
The Original Soundtrack to Aurélie Muller’s Imaginary Film
Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 9:00 PM – Cinema Aventure Aurélie Muller, also known as Vilain Tigre, invites you to a unique evening at Cinema Aventure: a live cine-concert…
All Competition Films Revealed
Discover the Full Competition Line-up The countdown to this year’s cinematic celebration has begun, and we’re delighted to unveil the final films joining the BRIFF 2026 competition line-up. From the…
National Competition : the first films are revealed
From 4 to 12 September 2026, Belgian cinema will take centre stage at BRIFF. Through its National Competition, Special Screenings and Belgian Panorama, the festival celebrates the richness and diversity…
"The young and dynamic BRIFF returns to its traditional dates for a fifth edition that aims to liven up Brussels for around ten days. With its three competitions, the festival will welcome numerous guests whose level of glamour is beyond doubt."
Moustique
"During the previous editions, the BRIFF brought renowned guests to Brussels, including Abel Ferrara, Terry Gilliam, Claudia Cardinale, and Michel Hazanavicius. COVID-19 did not prevent the festival from welcoming a major figure. The guest of honor was Constantin Costa-Gavras (...)."
BRUZZ
Follow us :