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9 to 5: The Story of a Movement

In the early 1970s, a lot of women worked as secretaries or typists. Not feeling represented by the labour movement, they were more than tired of being marginalised: their competences curtailed to fetching coffee, being called girl or sweetheart and no right to a pension. The Nine to Five campaign became a justified call for change. An extraordinary retrospective of a movement that started small but blossomed into an influential national movement.

maatschappij-en-opvoeding
historical-documentary
usa
A Compassionate Spy

Two-time Oscar-nominated director Steve James tells the incredible story of Ted Hall, a very young physics genius recruited in 1944 to help develop the US atomic bomb. With Germany clearly losing the war, Hall became increasingly worried about the consequences of an American monopoly on such a powerful weapon. He decided to pass key information about the bomb’s construction to the Soviet Union. An explosive secret that he and his wife kept hidden for more than 50 years. A Compassionate Spy combines an extraordinary love story, an espionage drama and a brief history of the Cold War.

war-amp-amp-conflict
remarkable-stories
usa
After Nature

The biodiversity crisis should worry us as much as the climate crisis according to a lot of experts. Species are dying out so fast that scientists speak of a possible "sixth mass extinction. The global impact of humans goes further than ever. Four scientists and an artist try to understand the loss of biodiversity and its effects. Can we still save nature and its species?

science
ecology
After Work

Work, work, work. Our job is often crucial to our identity, and we spend more time on it than time with family or friends. In South Korea, they work so much that computers are compulsorily turned off at the end of the day so that employees can no longer work. In contrast, Kuwait's constitution states that a job is a basic right so sometimes 20 people are employed for one job. Erik Gandini, a regular guest on DOCVILLE, travels the world to examine, with a keen eye and the necessary humor, what the concept of work means today.

maatschappij-en-opvoeding
economy
health
AI - What's Going On?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already an integral part of our lives. In social life, the economy, healthcare, the military, traffic and education...there are more and more - sometimes unexpected - applications in all areas. And the end is nowhere near, the potential is enormous. An enlightening documentary that looks at both the present and the future of AI, but also asks questions about potential pitfalls. Should we set a boundary at some point or completely put our trust in AI? Will we gradually become superhumans, or will we instead lose control of our own destiny?

science
artificial-intelligence
AI AI AI - Live podcast

We can no longer ignore it: artificial intelligence is everywhere in our society. But what exactly does it mean? Come listen to the live recording of AI AI AI, the podcast about serious and not so serious applications of artificial intelligence in our daily lives.This podcast will be in Dutch.

science
artificial-intelligence
All that breathes

Towering high above the overcrowded, noisy and hectic streets of New Delhi, a lone bird of prey soars through the sky. At first glance, the majestic black kite seems spared from the swirling bustle and ubiquitous pollution deep below him. But nothing could be further from the truth. He comes from the local sanctuary founded by two brothers. Their motto: all that breathes is equally important. Day and night, they care for the animals in their makeshift basement hospital in the middle of the megacity. This mesmerising chronicle of life that keeps finding its way in a city on the brink of collapse was the first film ever to win both the Best Documentary award at Cannes and at Sundance.

visually-stunning
nature
portret
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

The opiate crisis in the United States continues to claim victims. For passionate photographer and activist Nan Goldin, it is clear who is responsible for the - often fatal - addiction of millions of Americans to painkillers: the infamous Sackler family. She founded the organization PAIN and organizes protests and actions at museums to which the Sackler family grants donations and support. In this way, Goldin hopes to uncover the hidden truth behind the Sackler name. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for an Oscar.

health
economy
usa
American Factory

2008. The General Motors plant in Dayton, Ohio is closing its doors causing thousands of people to lose their jobs. Years later, the arrival of a new Chinese company brings some hope. At first the American and Chinese craftsmen work side by side, but before too long cultural differences cause some setbacks. A sobering look at contemporary economic globalization. An Oscar winning film!

dutch-spoken-or-subtitled
usa
economy
society
ANHELL69

A funeral car drives through the streets of Medellín as a young director recounts his past in this violent and conservative city. He recalls the production of his first film, a B-movie with ghosts. The film seems cursed, when the lead actor dies of a heroin overdose at age 21. And he won't be the last. Ghosts do seem to be the common thread in the life of the filmmaker, who becomes increasingly obsessed with them. A brooding, bizarre, but intriguing portrait of a man for whom reality becomes imbued with fantasy.

visually-stunning
spannend
other-cultures
Apolonia, Apolonia

For thirteen years, Danish filmmaker Lea Glob follows artist Apolonia Sokol. In 2009, the young woman's life looks like any artist's ultimate dream: she studies in Paris at one of Europe's most prestigious art schools. But fairy tales do not exist, it turns out, in this fascinating portrait of not one, but ultimately two talented young women trying to find their place in the (art) world. This multi-layered documentary won the Prize for Best Documentary at the International Documentary Filmfestival of Amsterdam (IDFA).

art
portret
coming-of-age
Beer Tasting Lambiek

Join us at the Lambiek Beer Tasting, right after the screening of Bottle Conditioned

foodies
Beest

Walter Arfeuille has everything of a tragic hero. All his life he wants to be the strongest and the toughest. He will do anything to beat his great rival, muscle-man John Massis, known in Flanders as "the strongest man". His obsession drives him to extremes: it is never big, heavy or sensational enough. It earns him the nickname "the beast," but also nearly brings him down. The fallen hero slowly crawls back upright, with a twinkle in his eye revealing his new plans. An intimate portrait of a strong character.

portret
dutch-spoken-or-subtitled
Bottle Conditioned

Belgium is known worldwide for its beer. Oscar-nominated director Jerry Franck travels to the small Belgian community near Brussels where the local beer Lambic is brewed. Lambic is one of the oldest, rarest beer styles in Belgium and was almost lost after WWII. Now the beer is regaining popularity and brewers are trying to meet the growing demands of today's consumers. A tasty insight into the lives of three passionate brewers and how they brew their beer.

foodies
Catching the Pirate King

In 2009, the Belgian ship Pompeii was harshly hijacked by Somali pirates. A remarkable, blood-curdling story that has little in common with the nostalgic rebellious Hollywood image the word piracy evokes. The pirates, moving in small rowboats, have nothing to lose. The crew of the Belgian ship everything... A fascinating flashback featuring not only the crew involved and the Belgian police, but also the former Somali pirates.

spannend
remarkable-stories
City nature walk

Following the screening of Our Nature, De Film, you can discover the wonderful world of the Stadspark. Which animals live there? Do you recognize them by their droppings? The walk is suitable for families and takes an hour and a half. Places are limited, so be sure to sign up quickly! In collaboration with Natuurpunt Leuven.

science
for-kids
nature
CLOSING NIGHT & Award Ceremony - A Bunch of Amateurs

The love of film already brought about many wonderful things. For example, the Bradford film club, a somewhat shabby club for amateur filmmakers, founded in 1932 and still alive and kicking. Or should we say... teetering on the brink of survival. The number of club members is decreasing every year, while the average age is increasing. But the love for film - and for each other - keeps the club standing. An incredibly moving, funny and unforgettable portrait of dreamers. A warm-hearted film that reveals that sticking together as a group, and clinging to your shared dreams, is a valuable legacy.

mildly-comical
Coup de Grace

A few years ago, Alain Platel, renowned choreographer, invited twelve musicians from Kinshasa for a unique performance, a special symbiosis of baroque and African music. During the two-year tour through Europe, the musicians constantly oscillate between two worlds: daily life in Europe and online contact with their homeland, friends and family. They enclose Europe in their hearts, but they also miss Kinshasa. When the tour comes to an end, it's time to go home. But, what is home?

africa
art
Crack the case workshop

A lifeless body, in a corner of the festival meadow… This is a case for a top forensic team! Dig into the archive for the clues, review the lab analysis and use your instincts to solve this case! This workshop is a DNA scavenger hunt, in which new hints and information must be linked step by step to find out who is the perpetrator. Suitable for children ages 9 and up. Online registration required in advance.

science
for-kids
Dag Ma

Mother Irene (103) and daughter Yvette (62) are inseparable. Because Yvette has a mental disability, she is allowed to live with her elderly mother in an assisted care center. But Irene's advanced age inevitably raises questions about what to do with Yvette when her mother dies. Sometimes delightfully roguish, sometimes intensely moving, this intimate portrait paints a unique mother-daughter relationship full of love, tenderness and family joy, even in the later stages of life.

portret
dutch-spoken-or-subtitled
Day of the Doc 2023

Traditionally, professional documentary makers come together on the last day of DOCVILLE for the annual Day of the Doc. We start with the screening of Subject, followed by a panel discussion about the relationship between documentary maker and his subject, after lunch we talk about audience friendliness versus uncompromising and about and with young filmmakers and their future

for-filmmakers
De Humani Corporis Fabrica

Have you ever seen the inside of your own body? This documentary takes you on a journey through the body. Quite literally. During surgeries, endoscopic cameras discover the body from the inside and give anatomy lessons. Verena Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor visit various hospitals, attend surgeries and are confronted with the finite nature of the body. An experimental way to learn about the body, but not suitable for sensitive viewers.

science
visually-stunning
Deep Rising

Almost every spot on Earth has already become the target of man in search of valuable resources. But now a new hitherto unexplored area is coming into focus: the deep ocean floor. There, coveted metals needed for the production of electric batteries can be found. Deep Rising follows The Metals Company, an organization that is busy seeking support and funding to extract metals from the seabed. Is this an interesting strategy within the complex issue of energy? Or the run-up to a new ecological disaster that we must avoid at all costs?

ecology
economy
nature
Demo: Learn how to camouflage

The screening of Wolf will be followed by a Q & A especially for children. Director Cees van Kempen explains how he went about filming wild animals in nature. What do you have to bear in mind? Shhh...being quiet is a must!

science
for-kids
nature
Dreaming Walls

The legendary Chelsea Hotel, an icon of 1960s counterculture and a haven for famous artists and intellectuals including Patti Smith, Janis Joplin and the superstars of Warhol's Factory, is under renovation. Soon it will reopen to the public as one of New York's most fashionable luxury hotels. Dozens of people, most of them older residents, still live amidst the scaffolding and constant construction. An insight into the heart of a mythical place, which, like its residents, is at a turning point.

visually-stunning
usa
art
dutch-spoken-or-subtitled
Echo

Young recruits undergo a basic military training in the Belgian army. The amiable commander Van Dyck tries to teach them a new way of looking, listening and thinking through role-playing. An intriguing insight into training within the Belgian army, one of the few environments in our society where there is still a real rite of passage: a young recruit does not simply follow a path to a certain job, but must undergo a real transformation: from civilian to soldier.

portret
coming-of-age
dutch-spoken-or-subtitled
Escaperoom: AI, deadline gemist!

Oh no! You missed your paper deadline for the Data Science course. Fortunately, Professor Intelligentius accidentally left the keys to her office in the auditorium after the last class. Can you sneak your paper in among the other papers without getting caught in this escaperoom created especially for ScienceVille? Initiative of the Data Science for the Humanities project, funded by the Advancement Fund.

science
spannend
Find the wolf

I think I saw a wild animal sneaking into the foyer earlier. Can you find the stuffed wolf?

science
for-kids
nature
Free Money

The Kenyan village of Kogutu is the site of one of the biggest test cases on the impact of a universal basic income. For 12 years, every resident will receive a fixed monthly amount, with no strings attached. This strong, nuanced documentary follows the project for three years and offers an extremely fascinating insight into the reality of a dream and the inevitable tension between the idealism found in hip New York offices and the more complex reality in the Kenyan village.

science
economy
africa
From Moerbeke with Love (kortfilm)

Far away from home, in the small Flemish village of Moerbeke-Waas, Marta and her female colleagues are planting the seeds for the future of their children in Poland. Somewhere between east and west, distance and proximity, Marta cares about her home within the repetitive of her work
Geographies of Solitude

Living in harmony with nature, it is a dream of many, but a reality for Zoe Lucas. She has lived on the nearly uninhabited Canadian island known as Sable Island for 40 years. As naturalist and conservationist, she studies and meticulously maps nature there. She is still touched by the beauty of the deserted island on which wild horses can gallop in complete freedom. Filmmaker Jacquelyn Mills captures life on the island in nostalgic pelicule images, with the sound of local insects as the soundtrack. A melancholy ode to a rare, pristine nature that - even on this beautiful remote thin strip of sand - is beginning to bear traces of human pollution. Geographies of Solitude won awards at the Berlin International Film Festival.

science
ecology
nature
portret
Get to know the micro:bit

The BBC Micro:bit is a pocket-sized mini computer specially designed to teach young children the basics of programming and engineering. It has 25 built-in LEDs, buttons, sensors and many input/output functions that, when programmed, allow it to interact with your environment. This workshop is recommended for children aged 7 to 12. Online registration is required in advance.
Ghost Particle

A neutrino: one of the most intriguing elementary particles in physics. So small that they pass through the entire earth in a fraction of a second without anything getting in their way, (almost) without mass and extremely difficult to detect. But perhaps the key to answering life's big questions. What happened immediately after the Big Bang? How did we - and everything we see in the universe - come into existence? This science documentary follows international efforts to fathom neutrinos - the tiniest of everything we know - with perhaps the largest experiment ever.

science
fysica
Green screen: Take a photo with dinos & aliens

Always felt like sending yourself back to the dino era? Or maybe you want to prove to your friends that you ate cake with aliens? This activity allows you to put a personal photo on a background of your own choosing. So let your imagination run wild! This activity is suitable for children aged 6 and up.

science
for-kids
Growing Up Female & Union Maids

In six short portraits, this landmark documentary from 1971 zooms in on what it means to grow up as a woman during that period. Six girls and women aged 5 to 34 open up their hearts and reflect on how their lives and self-image is defined by institutions such as marriage, school, advertising and popular culture. When the film was released in 1971, it caused both controversy and enthusiasm. Today, the film is a remarkable time capsule that shows how much has changed, but also how much has remained the same.

historical-documentary
usa
Have fun with science: experiment, create & explore

Experiment with home, garden, and kitchen materials! Make your own lava lamp or discover secret messages with chemistry, explore the science behind slime, play with non-Newtonian fluids, build your own vibrating creature & so much more!

science
for-kids
Het Bijzondere Levensverhaal van Karl Eriksson

The wonderful life story of Karl Eriksson, passionate musician, fervent world traveler and free spirit, always on the road and tirelessly searching. He grows up as the son of Bert Eriksson, former leader of the notorious Order of Flemish Militants and manager of a extreme right pub. But at a very young age, Karl chooses a very different path. Like previous historical documentaries by director Johan Van Schaeren, a wealth of historical footage is unlocked, this time to tell a unique musical, political and Antwerp story.

remarkable-stories
music
portret
dutch-spoken-or-subtitled
Hetty Helsmoortel: Missie 2022

In Mission 2022, Hetty Helsmoortel once again delivers a sharp analysis of the past year of science. She does so in her signature style: clear (??? want geen H-woord), humorous and hopeful. As long as it starts with the letter H, Hetty must have thought. She has a gift for explaining complicated things to a large audience in an understandable way. Why was the launch of the James Webb telescope such big news? What impact is the war in Ukraine having on the progress of science? And why is it not a good idea to wear jewelry that blocks 5G rays? You'll find out all that and much more in Mission 2022. The science show you must have seen to fully understand the past year. We bet you'll be gripped with fascination throughout the show.

science
mildly-comical
Hetty presents: reading minds, revolutionary worms and funny robots

Hetty Helsmoortel invites three speakers to talk about artificial intelligence, lie detectors and learning worms. The three interactive lectures at the level of children from about 8 years old are all about brains, in the broad sense of the word: the brains of people, worms or artificial intelligence. Do you ever tell a white lie? Lie detectors could read minds and know when you're lying. How exactly do the detectors work? We'll test it live. What can we learn from worms that learn? More than we think!

science
for-kids
mildly-comical
Holding up the Sky

'When the shamans stop dancing and life in the rainforest loses its balance, the sky will fall down and crush everything.' That wisdom is passed on from generation to generation by the Yanomami in Brazil. But prospectors are polluting the rivers, the shamans are dying, the rainforest is disappearing and the earth is warming. Chieftain Davi Kopenawa and his son Dario are traveling the world, fighting an international battle to defend their land against invaders. They warn Westerners that when the sky falls, they will be crushed too. Why don't they listen?

other-cultures
ecology
politics
House made of Splinters

Three children temporarily removed from their parents find friendship and a spark of hope within the walls of an orphanage in eastern Ukraine. In this war-torn and impoverished region, where addiction casts a dark shadow over many families, three children await a decision about their near future: will they return or go to a new home? A moving and intimate portrait of a remarkable stopover where dedicated social workers try to give care, support and confidence to children who need it more than anything.

war-amp-amp-conflict
coming-of-age
Innocence

In Israel, children know from an early age that they will have to fight for their homeland. After all, once eighteen, everyone there must do compulsory army service, and in their troubled country, that multi-year service usually means actual combat. Many young people do not want this at all and struggle with an obligation that goes against their identity and principles. Diary excerpts of fallen youths reveal their fears, reflections and dilemmas after their deaths. A sensitive film by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Guy Davidi (Five Broken Cameras), a gripping warning of the consequences of militarization and the loss of innocence that is irrevocably attached to it.

war-amp-amp-conflict
coming-of-age
Insect Road Show

Insects are great! But not everyone is convinced of that. Encounters between humans and insects often involve a fly swatter, shoe or aerosol and do not always end in favor of the insect. The Insect Road Show introduces you to different types of insects, both exotic and native. Maybe hold a stick insect or let a cockroach crawl on your hand. Entomologist Peter Berx gives you a look at the different aspects of the life and structure of insects. Behaviour, breathing, nutrition, defense... we'll delve into it all ! This activity is suitable for children ages 6-12. Online registration in advance required.

science
for-kids
nature
Iraq's Invisible Beauty

Latif al Ani, father of Iraqi photography, portrayed his homeland for more than 30 years. His photographs, taken long before wars would devastate the country, show Iraq as we have rarely seen it. Al Ani fled when Saddam Hussein came to power. Now, at age 86, together with Belgian-Kurdish filmmaker Sahim Omar Kalifa, he traverses his devastated homeland in search of the places he photographed at the time. On this final trip, he shows his photographs to the Iraqis, who cannot believe that the vibrant and prosperous Iraq in the pictures really existed.

visually-stunning
historical-documentary
art
Kernenergie : De redder van de klimaatcrisis?

Until a few years ago, few were willing to speak out in public in favor of nuclear power. Now the situation seems pretty much reversed. Were we too alarming before, or are we too lenient now? With: Marco Visscher (author of Waarom we niet hoeven bang bang voor kernenergie) and prof. em. Aviel Verbruggen (Energy and Environmental Economics, University of Antwerp).This conversation will be in Dutch.

science
ecology
economy
politics
critical-thought
Ket&Docs

In small blocks of 15 minutes, we see a special part of the world through the eyes of a child. Of interest not only for the young target group (children between 9 and 12 years) but for everyone in the pedagogical field who would like to work around a certain theme.

for-kids
Kristos, the Last Child

Kristos is the only child on a small Greek island with only 30 inhabitants left. He is ten by now and the very last student of the devoted teacher Maria. As the end of elementary school approaches, Kristos and those around him face a major dilemma: move to a larger and far more expensive island where there is a high school? Or stay on Arki without further education, where Kristos - like his ancestors - can become a shepherd. A visual gem from the Aegean Sea.

coming-of-age
visually-stunning
maatschappij-en-opvoeding
family
Last Stop Before Chocolate Mountain

This visual gem takes you to Bombay Beach, an abandoned town situated at a toxic lake in the middle of the California desert, which is given an unexpected second life. While the desolate landscape symbolizes neglect and decay, a secret art project emerges. For the small community that lives there, art offers an unexpected, new way out. A British matriarch, a retired bank robber, an artist on the run and an Italian prince open the doors to a special place where quirky people are still allowed and able to dream.

visually-stunning
usa
art
Le Pacha, ma mère et moi

Filmmaker Nevine's childhood is all about the Kurdish cause. Her mother, a staunch activist, has defended the Kurdish people all her life, a struggle she herself inherited from her father. Now that her mother is 80 and Nevine is becoming a mom herself, she reflects on this family legacy. Should she too be committed to the cause? Or will the struggle fade with each generation? Can we separate ourselves from our heritage and still give meaning to our roots and help future generations build their identities?

politics
portret
family
Le phallus et le néant

Eighteen psychoanalysts let themselves to be looked into their souls, and the results are quite astonishing. For today Freud's psychoanalytic theory is seen as pseudoscience by many scientists, in other words, total nonsense. Yet contemporary experts regularly appear in the media to give their opinions, and many people still take psychoanalytic therapy. Sophie Robert interviews eighteen psychoanalysts to find out their views on sexuality and the relationship between husband and wife, parents and children. The statements and beliefs are remarkable to say the least.

science
psychology
critical-thought
Learn to program with Arduino

During this workshop you will have the opportunity to learn how to work with Arduino. Numerous fun projects can be realized with this, from robots with smart sensors to own game controllers. The possibilities are endless! This activity is recommended for young people from the age of 12. Online registration is required in advance.

science
for-kids
artificial-intelligence
Léon (kortfilm)

Léon Vandromme, 83 years old, is a resident of a residential care center in the Marolles in Brussels. He gives us a glimpse into his life, his loneliness and his past and present loves. He was a rascal and a drunkard, but above all a nice person. Past and present merge. Memories come alive again. What will be, will be.
Live dissectie

A lot has changed since Vesalius taught anatomy in public in Leuven. The newest evolution in the study of anatomy is the digital dissection table. Using specific software with which 3D reconstructions of the body are made, the body can be virtually cut or rotated to look closely at certain organs. Discover the human body together with 'Top Doctor' Prof. Diethard Monbaliu, transplant surgeon at UZ Leuven.

science
health
Mad Science: Fire and Ice

Be amazed by awesome experiments with fire and ice! In this spectacular show, children see how cool science can be. Paper that burns 120 times faster than regular paper. Dry ice of -79 degrees Celsius. Thei the egg, who is that? And showering without water, is that possible? The show is suitable for children 6 to 12 (and their parents).

science
for-kids
exciting
Make People Better

In late 2018, Chinese scientist He caused a shockwave in the entire scientific community. His experiment had led to the birth of babies whose DNA had been altered by scientists for the first time: he had performed an edit via CRISPR aiming to give the babies immunity to HIV. The international uproar and swift moves by Chinese authorities led to the disappearance of both the scientist and the babies. This documentary thriller traces the trajectory of He’s experiment: did he act alone, or were more people in on it? Who asked questions and who remained silent?

science
health
philosophy
Masterclass Steven Bognar

Oscar winner Steven Bognar (American Factory) travels from his home state of Ohio to DOCVILLE for a unique master class around the films he made during his award-winning career as a documentary filmmaker.

usa
Merkel

She was Germany's first female Chancellor and immediately one of the longest-serving ever. She saw no less than four American presidents come and go while at the head of one of Europe's most important countries. But who was Angela Merkel truly? Born and raised in the GDR, she graduated as a scientist and became politically active - even before German unification in 1990 - as one of the few women in a man's world. Her origins and the path she took were the foundation of her political style and the way she dealt with the many crises she had to face. A unique portrait of the woman behind the name.

portret
politics
Mi Pais Imaginario

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Patricio Guzmán has sometimes been referred to as "the cinematic conscience of Chile": for more than 40 years he has documented the turbulent events in his native country. At the age of 81, he made a new documentary about the recent period, which for the first time gives the well-known filmmaker hope. He allows only women to speak, because they play a crucial role in the current revolution that started with protests in 2019. A fascinating, hopeful and passionate insight into an extraordinary country, with the central question: can Chile finally shake off the yoke of dictatorship?

politics
historical-documentary
Microvioma

The inhabitants of the small Greek island of Ikaria live longer on average and also stay more healthy later in life. They are the ideal test group for scientific research on healthy ageing and longevity. A new study focuses on what goes on in the residents' intestines. Can the secret to a healthy, long life be found in the bowel movements of older Ikarians?

science
nature
health
Nuclear Now

A plea for nuclear energy from an unexpected angle: legendary director Oliver Stone sees nuclear power as the way to tackle the climate crisis. We urgently need to reduce fossil fuel emissions and generate energy in a sustainable way. Campaigns from the 20th century that warned (rightly or wrongly) about the effects of nuclear power and the disasters that can happen with it, put nuclear power in the dark for many. However, Stone argues that nuclear energy is the cleanest, fastest and safest source of energy and we should reconsider its use.

science
fysica
ecology
critical-thought
Once upon a Time in Londongrad

A wealthy British estate agent is impaled by a fall from the fourth floor onto the fence surrounding his luxury flat. His death raises eyebrows among a team of BuzzFeed journalists. Eventually, they come up with a list of 14 suspicious deaths - one more bizarre than the other - that can be linked to Russian connections. A compelling true-crime documentary that baffles and fascinates and, above all, raises many questions about possible hidden Russian interference in our society.

spannend
politics
remarkable-stories
Onze Natuur

You don't have to travel to the other side of the world to be amazed by the wonders of nature. Beautiful images of familiar and less familiar animals in close-by regions tell the hopeful story of Belgium's fragmented nature, which is under pressure, but still manages to survive. An exciting, visually stunning and endearing family film, which immerses young and old in the beautiful world of our nature.

nature
visually-stunning
dutch
Op naar de maakbare baby?

As reports emerge from China about the application of CRISPR technologies to humans, Europe is also increasingly questioning the growing possibilities. What is allowed with inherited diseases that we can avoid? And what about gender selection when there is a clear desire by the parent for a particular sex? Where is the line between a designer baby and avoiding genetic diseases? Including Prof. Kris Dierickx (Center for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven) and Prof. Hilde Van Esch (Center for Human Heredity, UZ Leuven). Moderation by Marleen Finoulst (Health & Science).This conversation will be in Dutch.

science
health
maatschappij-en-opvoeding
philosophy
Panel discussion by and about young filmmakers and their future

De maatschappij is aan het veranderen. Hoe kijken studenten en jonge filmmakers vandaag naar het documentaire genre en hun toekomst? Waar liggen ze van wakker? Waar willen ze films over maken en op welke manier?

for-filmmakers
Panel discussion on audience friendliness versus uncompromisingness

Naar aanleiding van een korte lezing van Peter Krüger gaan de documentairemakers in debat over hun rol in de samenleving. Het debat draait om de centrale vraag: moeten we als onafhankelijke makers compromisloos zijn of moeten we rekening houden met de steeds groeiende vraag naar publieksvriendelijkheid?

for-filmmakers
Parcours

A central city is tossed back and forth between preparations for a major festive event - the Cycling World Championships - and hostage-taking by COVID-19. Like a contemporary chronicler, director Lode Desmet films his city during a period that was unprecedented for everyone. He sees Leuven and its people changing during the corona crisis, streets emptying and filling up again, hopes and plans coming and going. A contemporary chronicle of an extraordinary period.

portret
historical-documentary
dutch-spoken-or-subtitled
Planetarium: Discover the stars

Come and discover the starry sky in the Mobile Planetarium, specially set up for DOCVILLE in the courtyards at 30CC Wagehuys. A special 360° film projection on the dome above you takes you on a beautiful visual journey through our universe.

science
physics
space
Podcast Gezondheid & Wetenschap

Eet je meer chips van een blauw bord? Hoe slim zijn slimme weegschalen? Waarom heeft Europa mentholsigaretten verboden? Zijn vaccins eigenlijk halal? Klopt het dat mannen net zo emotioneel zijn als vrouwen? Gezondheid en Wetenschap wilt mensen informeren met betrouwbare gezondheidsinformatie. Op hun website factchecken en bespreken ze gezondheidsberichten uit de media in een maandelijkse podcast. Kom proeven van enkele van de meest opmerkelijke onderwerpen van de afgelopen jaren in deze podcast-special.

science
health
critical-thought
Psycho-analyse - Totale onzin?

Is psychoanalysis, once developed by Sigmund Freud, by now a outdated pseudoscience? Or is it still a valid tool within therapy? Debate with Filip Buekens (Professor of Philosophy, KU Leuven) and Jens De Vleminck (Psychoanalyst, Belgian School of Psychoanalysis). The discussion will be moderated by Marleen Finoulst (SKEPP).This conversation will be in Dutch.

science
psychology
critical-thought
Rebels

What kind of person do you imagine when you describe the over-75s? A cute oldie who spends days in front of the TV? Someone who only revives when the (grand)children visit? A somewhat dull and slow person with an opinion that is not really anymore relevant? The over-75s in Rebelsresist the stereotypical portrayal and patronizing of old people and show that they are considered elderly still have a lot to do. An inspiring film that restores the over-75s as people with full relevance in their thoughts and actions.

portret
maatschappij-en-opvoeding
dutch-spoken-or-subtitled
Receive a production budget of 40,000 euros for the production of a short scientific documentary

Filmmakers, come listen to the Science Talkies where scientists explain their research. Afterwards, meet the scientists during a speed date and work out your own documentary film project. Afterwards, you as a filmmaker pitch your project. In the end, two winners will receive a production budget of €40,000.

for-filmmakers
Red Africa

After their independence in the early 1960s, a load of Soviet ambassadors descends on some young African nations to express their enthusiastic support and offer assistance in the technical, social and cultural development of the country. All under the banner of equality and brotherhood. An extraordinary mosaic film made exclusively with Soviet archival (propaganda) material, a fascinating collage that slowly but surely reveals the underlying objectives of the Red Empire in this friendly invasion.

africa
historical-documentary
Rojek

An encounter with former fighters of the Islamic State who are imprisoned in a heavily guarded prison camp in Syrian Kurdistan. From honest conversations with jihadists about their fundamentalist beliefs, we gain an unseen insight into their motivations and the rise and fall of the Islamic State. An intimate yet disconcerting look at an unknown reality, set against the backdrop of a country recovering from years of war.

war-amp-amp-conflict
politics
Sabam Avond

Belgian Association of Authors, Composers and Publishers Sabam supports audiovisual authors in various ways. There is support for filmmakers who have already earned their stripes, but also for young and new talent. On the Sabam evening, several films will be screened that were realized partly thanks to this support.
SABAM Filmmakers Pitch

Sabam for Culture has been committed to the promotion, development and dissemination of its audiovisual repertoire for decades. For example, Sabam supports directors and/or screenwriters directly through a development grant.
Science Apps

Take a seat at one of our tablets to discover the world through fun 'scientific' apps. Dive into the clouds, let it thunder or snow and learn more about the weather by playing with sun, sky, water and temperature. Cycle through the seasons and different landscapes to discover which plant and animal species live there. Or get to know the human body better by looking at the inside and discovering the functioning of the heart, organs and muscles. Finally, you can build a spacerover and test how far you would get in an alien landscape.

science
for-kids
Science Talkies

Wetenschapswatcher en Nerdland-medeoprichter Hetty Helsmoortel nodigt enkele wetenschappers uit op het podium om hun onderzoek voor te stellen. Ontdek boeiende hot topics uit verschillende wetenschapsgebieden tijdens deze unieke voorstelling met licht verteerbare mini-lezingen. Wetenschap was nog nooit zo entertainend.

science
Solus (kortfilm)

In Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, many parents go to work abroad to give their children a better future. The children stay at home and grow up with other relatives. So does 12-year-old Cleopatra, who lives with her grandparents and lovingly looks forward to seeing her parents, whom she only gets to see a few times a year. Or Susanna whose mum works in Israel as a bedside nurse for an old woman.
Soviet Bus Stops

Canadian photographer Christopher Herwig has a crazy fondness for unusual bus stops dating from the Soviet era. Back then, everything, including architecture, was under strict central authority. Buildings had to be monumental, an ode to communism. But local bus stops occasionally managed to escape this central authority. Follow Herwig on a surprising road trip through Ukraine, Estonia, Georgia, Belarus and Lithuania in search of bus stops of all styles, symbols of small acts of poetic resistance.
Subject

As a documentary filmmaker, how do you deal with the subject of your documentary? Subject takes a look at five documentaries that had great commercial success and examines their impact on the lives of the people portrayed in them. Filmmakers sometimes follow their subjects during the darkest or most traumatic periods of their lives. How do you deal with that as a filmmaker? And what is your responsibility?

for-filmmakers
Subject in documentary

A panel discussion about the relationship between the documentary maker and his subject on the basis of the film Subject. In the presence of Camilla Hall (director Subject), Margaret Ratliff (one of the main characters of the film), Kristof Bilsen (documentary filmmaker) & Ellen Vermeulen (documentary filmmaker). Moderation by Isabel Junius.
Ten-Ten, Cai-Cai

When the strongest earthquake ever measured in Chile strikes an island in the south, residents give meaning to the natural disaster through their mythical stories and beliefs. Ten-Ten, Cai-Cai tells the story of an isolated community on a mysterious island and looks at the experience of their religion and their belief in myths, legends and supernatural forces. Filmmakers Janet van den Brand and Timothy Wennekes, by now familiar faces, are appearing for the third time with a film at DOCVILLE.

visually-stunning
other-cultures
historical-documentary
The Corridors of Power

Why do we as a modern, Western, powerful society fail to stop atrocities like the genocide in Rwanda or Srebrenica? Why do we react in some places and not in others? What are the real reasons behind the decisions of major political decision-makers? Do they sometimes have regrets afterwards? Oscar-nominated director Dror Moreh (The Gatekeepers) returns with a striking documentary full of insights from more than 30 political heavyweights, including Henry Kissinger, Hilary Clinton, Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice. An unprecedented, often staggering insight into decision-making strategies surrounding international military interventions.

politics
war-amp-amp-conflict
usa
historical-documentary
The end of the world? - Short Film Compilation

Is the secret to a long and healthy life to be found in the bowel movements of inhabitants of a small Greek island? Is it possible to emigrate to another planet? Did you know that the mirror images of chiral molecules can mean the difference between life and death? Don't the many technical possibilities just make life more dangerous for the vulnerable among us? A very diverse compilation of five extraordinary short documentaries.

science
health
nature
other-cultures
maatschappij-en-opvoeding
The Fire Within

Katia and Maurice Krafft were two passionate volcanologists who traveled the world to get as close as possible to and film active volcanoes. Their groundbreaking footage of eruptions and their aftermath is simply stunning. Legendary documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog combines these spectacular images with their unpretentious home videos, compelling operatic music and his quiet commentary in a visually breathtaking collage. A mesmerizing, terrifying and wonderful meditation on the immeasurable power of nature and the fiery passion of an extraordinary couple.

science
portret
The Hunt for Planet B

Is there an alternative to Earth should it become unlivable due to human activity? With the development of the James Webb Telescope, astronomy has a fantastic new tool to study the universe. A special look at the capabilities of this amazing technological instrument as well as the people who operate it. Some female scientists collaborate in the search for a new earth, a search that inevitably also reflects on our place in the universe and the way we treat our earth.

science
space
The invention of the Other

What if you've never met "others" before? DOCVILLE winner Bruno Jorge (Piripkura) once again takes us in tow, deep into the Amazon jungle in search of the Korubo, a completely isolated group of indigenous people. Most of them have never had contact with anyone outside their group. An expedition aims to respectfully prepare them for (inevitable) contact with "others". Bruno Pereira, who would later be murdered in the same region and become an international symbol of struggle for the forest, leads the expedition. An extremely fascinating insight into an unknown and almost unimaginable world.

other-cultures
philosophy
The Longest Goodbye

What if you were isolated from life on Earth for three long years? That is one of the challenges NASA is currently addressing as plans for a manned mission to Mars are in the pipeline. Astronauts will experience extreme isolation during the long journey. Could virtual reality break the isolation? Or an intelligent robot you can talk to? A passionate NASA psychologist explores how astronauts can cope with social isolation and the conflict between following their dream and the need to stay connected to home.

science
space
psychology
The Lost Leonardo

More than $500 million will eventually be paid for the Salvator Mundi, which is said to have first surfaced as a battered portrait of Christ at an auction in New Orleans. But is the most expensive painting of all time really a Leonardo da Vinci or is that what wealthy buyers and powerful art institutions want to believe? Outrageous prices, uncertainty about authenticity and finally a new disappearance add to the tension in this contemporary mystery.

remarkable-stories
art
economy
The March on Rome

100 years ago, in late October 1922, fascist Blackshirts led by Mussolini marched to Rome in a grand parade. It was the beginning of Mussolini's fascist regime that would last until 1943. Award-winning documentary filmmaker Mark Cousins (The Story of Film) combines extraordinary archival footage with the story of a working-class woman, played by top actress Alba Rohrwacher, to unravel the dark mystery of fascism in a very dynamic way. Not a classic history lesson, but an extraordinary dissection of where exactly the appeal and danger of fascism lie.

politics
historical-documentary
maatschappij-en-opvoeding
The Other Fellow

Bond, James Bond. The iconic name of the legendary character was found by author Ian Fleming in 1952 by an unsuspecting birdwatcher. 60 years later, Matthew Bauer sets off on a mission to discover what it's like to be called James Bond in reality. He meets people from all over the world who go through life with the world-famous name: a Swedish 007 superfan, a gay theater director, an African-American accused of murder. What starts as a light-hearted examination of namesakes becomes an engaging reflection on masculinity, gender and race in the shadow of a film icon.

portret
mildly-comical
The Thief Collector

It was one of the most puzzling art thefts of a generation: in 1985, a groundbreaking work by Willem de Kooning was cut from its frame and stolen from a museum in Arizona. For years it was untraceable. Until the precious painting was found more than thirty years later in the home of a deceased pair of teachers. The thieves turned out not to be hardened criminals, but two gentle people with an obsession that got out of hand. How can their criminal act be reconciled with their gentle lives? When does a passion go too far?
The Woman of Stars and Mountains

For 12 years, Rita Patiño, an indigenous woman from northern Mexico, was locked up in an psychiatric hospital in Kansas, USA, after she was found in a local church in 1983. Because she spoke neither English nor Spanish and was very afraid of the local authorities, she was quickly labelled mentally ill. Years passed without any thorough investigation into what language she spoke or where she came from. A deeply moving and wrenching portrait of a vulnerable woman who is nowadays back in her native region, but lost years due to prejudice and disinterest.

remarkable-stories
portret
Theater of Thought

Legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog delves into the mysteries of the brain (artificial or otherwise). Do we really have autonomy over our thoughts? Do we live in a shared fantasy? Is telepathy possible? Can fish dream? Do mice question their reality? How can Siri detect the difference between "knight" and "night"? A fascinating look at the brain's immense capacity, the potential of neurotechnology and its ethical implications. At age 80, Herzog adds a new chapter to his varied and idiosyncratic oeuvre with a fascinating journey through the research, insights and predictions of some of the world's most influential scientists and innovators.

science
artificial-intelligence
psychology
philosophy
Theatre of Violence

Can a person be held accountable for the crimes he committed as a child soldier? As a nine-year-old boy, Dominic Ongwen was abducted and conscripted into Joseph Kony's army of child soldiers. He was tortured, brainwashed and forced to extreme violence. Some 30 years later, he is the first former child soldier to be indicted in International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes. For his lawyer this case is much more than an assignment. As he gathers evidence, he raises important questions about culpability, the legal system and how a community can recover from trauma and deal with returning child soldiers.

politics
war-amp-amp-conflict
maatschappij-en-opvoeding
africa
VAF Vertoningssessie

Twice a year, the Public department of the Flemish Audiovisual Fund organizes an inspirational day on striking themes for cinemas, film distributors, festivals, cultural centers and other film organizations. They will be guests at DOCVILLE on March 24. By invitation only.
Virtual Reality Experiences: Space

Virtual Reality (VR) is a rewarding medium for documentary filmmakers to transport you to places you have never been, and this year this can be taken very literally. The two impressive VR films Spheres and Space Explorers: The ISS Experience - Spacewalkers will take you to space. Opt for an interactive journey through the universe or a space walk from the real ISS space station.

science
space
VR Experience: Walk with Dinosaurs

Always wanted to see dinosaurs up close? In this Virtual Reality experience, the prehistoric animals come to life. Stand eye-to-eye with an Apatosaurus and experience the mix of awe, beauty and danger that being close to a dino implies. Or follow velociraptor Blue on her quest for food, drink and survival on an Island where natural disaster looms.

science
for-kids
dinosaurs
Water inspector workshop

A smart design of the city with greenery and water ensures a nice, beautiful and, above all, healthy living environment for everyone who lives in the city. By measuring the quality of small water samples, we get an idea of the quality of the water in the city and what we can improve. The quality of the water and soil is extremely important for the animals and plants that live in it. And it also gives an indication about how healthy and diverse our living environment is. In this workshop we will discover the state of the water quality in Leuven! This activity is suitable for children aged 9-12. Online registration is required in advance.

science
for-kids
nature
ecology
Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer

Oscar-nominated director, author, actor, poet, explorer ... Werner Herzog is it all. This biographical documentary offers not only an overview of Herzog's life and the groundbreaking films he made, but above all it shows Herzog's brilliant vision as a radical dreamer. Archival footage and testimonials paint an extraordinary portrait of the filmmaker who has a unique hero status within the documentary world. Herzog himself is featured extensively, as are actors, directors and musicians with whom he worked, such as Nicole Kidman, Christian Bale, Chloé Zhao, Joshua Oppenheimer.

portret
for-filmmakers
Whale Nation

A humpback whale is beached on a remote shore. The struggle to save his life is the start of a journey of discovery into the special world of these extraordinary creatures, denizens of the world’s oceans. Inspired by Heathcote Williams' book, Whale Nation reveals a hidden world. A breathtaking journey into unexplored territories where these giants turn out to have incredibly rich and complex social lives in a society we know very little about.

nature
for-kids
dutch-subtitles
Wolf

A little wolf is born in Germany, where he grows up in his pack and, by trial and error, gradually learns everything he needs to go out into the world as an adult wolf. When his time comes, he embarks on a perilous journey of thousands of kilometres and settles in the Netherlands, where he eventually has a litter of pups of his own. Filmed over a period of four years, this sensational nature film full of beautiful images advocates the return of the wolf to our regions.

nature
Worden bejaarden teveel betutteld?

In recent years, some senior citizens raised the alarm over the patronization of elderly people. Why does Santa Claus come to a retirement home at all? We are quick to describe "old people" as cute or perhaps grumpy, but often no longer consider them to be full human beings. Does equality decline with advancing age? And can something be done about this? Panel discussion including Brecht Vanhoenacker (director), Ghislaine Cellier (one of the characters in the film) and Karen Louwet (Psychologist and author Elderspeak, niet zo onschuldig als het lijkt).This conversation will be in Dutch.

maatschappij-en-opvoeding
Wormo Universalis

Doing experiments on humans is not easy. Fortunately, we seem to have a lot in common with animals, with the tiny worm C. elegans for example. Can we learn something about humans by studying this tiny creature? And how exactly do you work with this roundworm in the lab? Come and discover and admire the creature itself through the microscope.

science
for-kids

Programma per thema

thema

From Moerbeke with Love (kortfilm)

Léon (kortfilm)

Solus (kortfilm)