Culture Beat – April 30

Inaugurated in 2007 to open a dialogue between Brussels and the Balkans as well as challenge the stereotypes that still cling to this European region, the Balkan Trafik! festival  goes from strength to strength. It continues to show off the cream of the region’s cultural crop, with a focus on music and film. This eighth edition kicks off tomorrow (May 1) with a free open-air concert in the Grand ‘Place, headlined by George Dalaras, who plays rebetiko, a form of urban folk music developed in the streets of Athens during the trying times of the 20th century. May 1 to 4, at Bozar.

Festival season continues with one of the capital’s leading showcase for international arts, Kunstenfestivaldesarts, which runs from May 2 to 24. As the event has  a reputation for questioning modern society, it provides an alternative viewpoint to the campaign trail that culminates in elections on May 25: Belgian federal and regional governments as well the European Parliament.

One of the appeals of Kfda, is that it has a strong urban accent and uses venues and public spaces across the city. Check the website for details of the programme.

British photojournalist Don McCullin is the subject of this excellent documentary by Jacqui and David Morris, or more accurately, his compelling  black-and-white stills take centrestage.  The revered war photographer covered conflicts around the world when working for The Sunday Times from 1969 to 1984. In addition to unprecedented access to his work and life and input from former editor Harold Evans, it is also a portrait of how the nature of journalism has changed to a situation where commercial interests now take precedence. The film premiere,  in English, is at Bozar.

On the first Sunday of every month, more than 100 museums are free, mainly in Brussels and Wallonia. Take advantage this Sunday!

Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve

The human rights festival Les Voies de la Liberté returns for its fifth edition from May 4 to 11. This year’s theme is walls, borders and migration. The non-profit organisation is staging concerts (Michael Jones, Pep’s, Yves Jamait, Cyril Mokaiesh, Jofroi, Wendy Nazaré, Megan Giart, Maria Joao Pires and Terminal Frost, a Pink Floyd cover band), five exhibitions, a conference, screenings, theatre and projects in schools. At venues in Ottignies and Louvain-la-Neuve.