The Embassy of India in Belgium successfully organised the first-ever Indian Film Festival in Belgium from 29th November to 2nd December 2025 at Cinema Flagey, Brussels.
This landmark cultural initiative marks a significant moment in India–Belgium relations, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian cinema to European and international audiences.
The festival was inaugurated by H.E. Mr Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg and EU with the screening of the acclaimed film 83, chronicling India’s cricket World Cup victory, in the presence of Ambassadors, senior diplomats, European Union officials, journalists, members of the Indian diaspora, Belgian friends of India, and cinema enthusiasts.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Saurabh Kumar highlighted the popularity of Indian cinema worldwide, noting that Indian films, actors, actresses, and even songs enjoy recognition in distant corners of the globe. He emphasised that cinema is a powerful medium of cultural exchange and served as a cultural bridge. He also mentioned that India, with its vast storytelling traditions across multiple languages, has long used films as a vehicle to convey its social, cultural, and historical narratives.
He underscored that the hosting of the film festival in Belgium, a nation with its own rich cinematic legacy offered an important platform to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen people-to-people linkages between the two countries.
The inaugural screening of 83, was followed by three critically acclaimed Indian films, each offering a distinct window into India’s heritage, history, and society. 2018: Everyone is a Hero (30th November) captured the courage, resilience, and unity displayed during the 2018 Kerala floods; Sardar Udham (1st December) powerfully portrayed Udham Singh’s quest to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, shedding light on a pivotal chapter in India’s freedom struggle; and Kantara (2nd December) delved into the dynamic interplay of tradition, faith, and modernity through the folklore of a South Indian village.
Each screening witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, reflecting the keen interest in Indian cinema among audiences in Belgium and the wider European community.
The Embassy of India, Brussels, remains committed to nurturing cultural ties and enhancing mutual understanding through such platforms. The success of the inaugural Indian Film Festival in Belgium opens new doors for future cultural exchanges, fostering goodwill, friendship, and a stronger India-Belgium partnership.
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