Short Film Selection – 1

The film screening will be accompanied by a live music performance by musician Ekin Fil.

Combat de boxe
Director: Charles Dekeukeleire
Cast: Pierre Bourgeois, Jean Demey, Henri Dupont, André Saint-Germain
Belgium, 1927, 7', DCP, b&w
Silent

Charles Dekeukeleire, considered a pioneer of experimental cinema in Belgium, drew attention early in his career with this avant-garde short.

Through transitions between negative and positive images and a rhythm-focused edit, Combat de boxeestablishes a strong link between the tension in the ring and the crowd’s excitement.With its fast and nearly choreographic editing, the film offers both a physical and emotional experience.

The film was restored by the Royal Film Archive of Belgium (CINEMATEK) with support from NextGenerationEU and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Film Centre.

La Perle 
Director: Henri d’Ursel
Cast: Georges Hugnet, Kissa Kouprine, Renee Savoye,Mary Stutz
Belgium, 1929, 33', DCP, b&w
Silent

The only directorial work by Henri d’Ursel, La Perle is a surrealist gem.

Set in a fantastical version of Paris, reminiscent of Louis Feuillade’s serials, the film follows a hero chasing a constantly lost and found pearl through dreamlike streets.

The film was restored by the Royal Film Archive of Belgium (CINEMATEK) with support from NextGenerationEU and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Film Centre.

Pour vos beaux yeux
Director: Henri Storck
Cast: Alfred Courmes, Félix Labisse, Ninette Labisse, Henry Van Vyve
Belgium, 1929, 8', DCP, b&w
Silent

In just eight minutes and 75 shots, the film tells the story of a young man who finds a glass eye in a park. Obsessed with the eye, he eventually tries to rid himself of it by mailing it away.

Screened with the support of the Henri Storck Foundation.

Monsieur Fantômas
Director: Ernst Moerman
Cast: Jacqueline Arpé, Jean Michel, Françoise Bert, L. Degroote
Belgium, 1937, 17', DCP, b&w
Silent 

The Lord of Crime, Fantômas, in a tuxedo and top hat, roams the globe in pursuit of the beautiful Elvire.

Wherever he goes, he leaves behind crimes and events defying morality. A blend of dark passion, rebellion, and thirst for adventure…

The film was restored by the Royal Film Archive of Belgium (CINEMATEK) with support from NextGenerationEU and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Film Centre.