7 October 2008

GHENT -- Now in its 35th edition the Ghent Film Festival is emphasising its own unique place in international festivals this year with a focus on film music. This year 'The impact of music on film' is the overall theme. More than 200 films will be playing at the participating cinemas in Ghent.

Woody Allen's latest film 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' was shown at the advant-premiere Monday at Kinepolis Gent, immediately setting a positive tone.

The Ghent Film Festival was established in 1974 as a students' film festival. Since then it has developed into one of Europe's most prominent film events.

Every year in October, the festival presents some 120 features and 50 shorts from all over the world. Different film programs are showcased.  Over 100,000 viewers come every year.

With its focus on film music, the Ghent Film Festival has its own unique place in international festivals. Since 2001, the Ghent Film Festival has also organised the World Soundtrack Awards, the most prestigious soundtrack awards in the world.
The Ghent Film Festival is a world-renowned film event.

Of course there is more to the Ghent Film Festival than just soundtracks. Every year, many international guests from the world of film flock to Ghent to present their films to the general public. Over the past years, the festival has welcomed filmmakers such as Kathleen Turner, Mike Leigh, François Ozon, Gina Lollobrigida, Lord Richard Attenborough, Sir Peter Ustinov, Sidney Pollack, Jane Birkin, Luc Besson, Andy Garcia, Melanie Griffith, Robert Altman, Juliette Binoche, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Ken Loach and many others.

The participating cinemas are Kinepolis Gent, Sphinx, Studio Skoop and Arts Centre Vooruit.

[flanders.be / Expatica]