Celebrated annually, the Love International Film Festival (LIFF) reaches its momentous 40th anniversary this year, from March 7 to March 15. Formerly known as the Festival du Film d'Amour de Mons, the event takes place across various venues including the Imagix and Plaza Arthouse cinemas, as well as the royal theater of Mons.
Originally founded back in 1985, the LIFF has weathered its fair share of challenges, including cancellation of the 2018 edition due to harassment allegations against its general delegate, André Ceuterick. Following this setback, the festival experienced some name changes and revisions but persevered and is now recognized as a staple event for film lovers.
Elio Di Rupo, the festival's founder and still serving as its president, expressed his thoughts on the festival's role within cultural contexts. "Today, in a world of uncertainties where our freedoms are being restricted, our festival remains a bulwark against the forgetfulness of historical horrors. It is the embodiment of hope. Its founding values of diversity and solidarity are stronger than ever. Art and love need to take center stage more than ever," he remarked warmly during his welcome address.
Meanwhile, Maxime Dieu, the festival's general delegate, noted the significance of the event's forward-looking perspective. To commemorate this anniversary, the festival has introduced the 40th Anniversary Award, which will be bestowed upon the most promising debut filmmaker from the 2025 selection, as adjudicated by a special jury comprising well-known festival personalities.
Philippe Reynaert, former cinema executive from RTBF and head of Wallimage, leads the jury, accompanied by actress Anne Coesens, among others. They will evaluate nine international debut feature films presented under various categories throughout the festival.
This year’s festivities begin with the premiere of "Ma Mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan" at the royal theater. Scheduled for March 7, this emotional film adaptation features actors Leïla Bekhti and Jonathan Cohen, directed by Quebec's Ken Scott, who previously delivered hits like "Starbuck" and "The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir." Closing the festival on March 15, the notable Michel Leclerc, who previously directed "Les Goûts et les Couleurs," presents "Le Mélange des Genres," themed around feminism and headlined by Léa Drucker and Benjamin Lavernhe.
Spanning across its weeklong schedule, the festival showcases no less than 85 films, including 67 feature films and welcomes over 100 invited guests from around the globe. There are four major anticipated premieres, which include "Sarah Bernhardt, la divine" by Guillaume Nicloux featuring Sandrine Kiberlain as the legendary actress, "Eterno Visionario," depicting the life of playwright Luigi Pirandello, "Mon Inséparable" starring Laure Calamy, and "La Chambre de Mariana" by Emmanuel Finkiel.
On the Belgian cinema front, Guérin Van der Vorst returns seven years after "La Part Sauvage" with "Au Bord du Monde," co-directed with Sophie Muselle and led by Mara Taquin. Audiences can also look forward to the quirky and notable film "Aimer Perdre Des Frères" from brothers Lenny and Harpo Guit, who gained recognition at Sundance; meanwhile, "La Passion Selon Béatrice," which takes viewers to Italy with actress Béatrice Dalle, remains highly awaited.
Among the nine films competing for international recognition, Mexico 86, the sophomore feature from the Belgian-Guatemalan filmmaker César Diaz, captures attention with Bérénice Béjo portraying his politically active mother, who reunites with her son after fleeing Guatemala’s civil war.
This year, the festival welcomes esteemed guests including Patrice Leconte, who not only graces the event as the honored guest but will also preside over the jury for Belgian short films, which consist of 17 contenders. The festival will also honor actor Arieh Worthalter, recognized with his fifth Magritte award for his performance in "Chiennes de Vies," on March 8. He will introduce the screening of "Serre-moi Fort" directed by Mathieu Amalric.
Another esteemed guest, Tchéky Karyo, will present the TV film "S.A.C. - Des Hommes dans l'Ombre" on March 13. Finally, celebrated Italian actor and director Sergio Castellito is scheduled to showcase his film "Fortunata" on March 14, captivating audiences with its engaging storyline.
Tickets for the 40th Love International Film Festival range from €6 to €8, with gala events priced at €15. For those attending multiple screenings, combo passes are available for €25 for four and €40 for ten sessions (excluding gala events). For more details, visit the festival’s website at www.liff-mons.be.