Film festivals in Belgium explore the future of criticism and youth engagement

Film festivals in Belgium are exploring the evolving landscape of film criticism and audience engagement. At Film Fest Gent, discussions are being held regarding the future of the profession in an era where social media platforms like TikTok, Letterboxd, and YouTube have democratized film reviewing. While this allows for a wider range of voices, there are concerns that the speed of digital feedback and the pursuit of algorithmic engagement may prioritize sharp, polarizing statements over nuanced analysis.

In contrast to the professional debate, youth-focused festivals are empowering younger audiences to take an active role in cinema. The 20th edition of Filem’On in Brussels, running from October 25 to November 7, features animation, fiction, and documentaries, alongside workshops in stop-motion and virtual reality. During this festival, children and teenagers serve as jury members, discussing films and deciding award winners. Similarly, the FilemKING festival in Ghent, held from October 27 to November 6, emphasizes cinema created by and for children, providing them with platforms to both watch and produce their own films.