Win tickets to the Brussels International Women’s Film Festival — 7 to 12 October

The annual Brussels International Women’s Film Festival (BIWFF) is back, offering fresh opportunities to discover films directed by women from over 30 countries across the globe.

Formerly known as Elles Tournent, it is screening 11 feature films, including five documentaries, from countries as diverse as Argentina, Belgium, Italy, Cameroon, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Morocco, Portugal and Qatar.

Opening this 17th edition is the Belgian premiere of Sima’s Song (pictured above) by Afghan director Roya Sadat on 7 October at 18.30. The 2024 film by the festival’s guest of honour this year, tells the story of a moving friendship between two young female students against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent history in the late 1970s. Despite their contrasting views on freedom, the bond that unites them transcends ideologies that divide them, serving as a tribute to courage and loyalty in the face of adversity.

The programme also features The Long Road to the Director’s Chair (2025) by Norwegian director Vibeke Løkkeberg, co-hosted with Film Fest Gent. Drawing on archival footage from 1973, she captures the beginnings of the feminist film movement at the First International Women’s Film Seminar — considered the very first feminist film festival — and confronts us with issues that remain strikingly relevant today.

Closing the festival is the 2025 Italian film La Vita da Grandi (pictured above) by Greta Scaran on 12 October at 18.30. It is a tender portrayal of a woman caring for her autistic brother, who is determined to become independent and realise his dream of being a singer.

An extensive series of shorts include the Iran Session, composed of three films, while more than 20 further international shorts explore three themes: Long Live Feminism, Weaving Connections and On The Move.

The Graines de Cinéastes section showcases aspiring female filmmakers, with a special evening dedicated to first and second works by young Belgian directors. The BIWFF programme also features dedicated workshops, including one on intimacy.

As ever, the upcoming BIWFF aims to be “fun, moving, inspiring and empowering,” says Anny Tubbs, Brussels-based documentary filmmaker and co-founder of the newly established Friends of Elles Tournent Fund under the aegis of the Roi Baudouin Foundation.

“We know turbulent economic and geopolitical times disproportionately affect women. So many women face considerable obstacles when it comes to telling their stories and making their films; across Europe women still only represent 27% of film directors,” she reiterates.

“Finding support and funds to keep showing their films is not a luxury either. It is essential for a more complete representation of social perspectives, and for better informed, holistic and inclusive approaches to the issues we face,” adds Tubbs.

Brussels International Women’s Film Festival (BIWFF)
7 to 12 October
Palace Cinema, Aventure, Cinema Galeries, Cinematek
Brussels

Win! A pair of tickets to the opening or closing screening. Simply fill in your details below. We'll email you on Sunday (28 September) if you've won.