Floating Cinema Takes Centre Stage at Ghent's Openbare Werken Festival
Eighty viewers enjoy a outdoor screening of the classic film L'Atalante amidst a vibrant cultural festival.
GHENT – Approximately 80 attendees enjoyed a unique cinematic experience on Friday, May 16, 2025, as they watched the French film 'L’Atalante' from inflatable boats during the Openbare Werken city festival, held at Bergiebrug Quay.
This open-air cinema event was part of the festival's initiative to provide innovative cultural activities for the community.
The screening of 'L’Atalante,' a renowned black-and-white film released in 1934, was organized by Ciné Rio, a local cinema.
Attendees floated on the water in boats provided by the event organizers as well as personal inflatable craft.
In addition to those in boats, around 200 other viewers watched the film from the shore.
Among the attendees, Josephine shared that she was unfamiliar with the film but looked forward to the experience, which was enhanced by the distribution of small aperitif packages prior to the screening.
Despite some concerns about the cool evening weather, she came prepared with a thick coat and a warm blanket.
Others, like Jens and his girlfriend, expressed a desire for warmer conditions, although organizers provided blankets to ensure comfort for attendees.
Alongside the floating cinema, the festival offered a summer terrace where visitors enjoyed live music and browse stalls selling drinks and snacks.
Janne Quintelier, representing Ciné Rio, noted that the idea for a 'drive-in' movie event had been in the works for some time, initially conceived shortly after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but postponed due to health concerns regarding large gatherings.
The Openbare Werken festival provided an appropriate platform for this innovative cinema experience.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, the festival will screen 'FLOW,' a visually captivating film by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, known for its minimal dialogue.
This screening continues the festival's focus on diverse cultural programming for local audiences.
The Openbare Werken festival extends until Sunday, May 18, 2025, featuring a variety of performances, walks, and art exhibitions across different locations in Ghent.
The festival provides information and assistance at Bar Edward located on Anseeleplein, where attendees can access schedules and maps for all upcoming events.
This open-air cinema event was part of the festival's initiative to provide innovative cultural activities for the community.
The screening of 'L’Atalante,' a renowned black-and-white film released in 1934, was organized by Ciné Rio, a local cinema.
Attendees floated on the water in boats provided by the event organizers as well as personal inflatable craft.
In addition to those in boats, around 200 other viewers watched the film from the shore.
Among the attendees, Josephine shared that she was unfamiliar with the film but looked forward to the experience, which was enhanced by the distribution of small aperitif packages prior to the screening.
Despite some concerns about the cool evening weather, she came prepared with a thick coat and a warm blanket.
Others, like Jens and his girlfriend, expressed a desire for warmer conditions, although organizers provided blankets to ensure comfort for attendees.
Alongside the floating cinema, the festival offered a summer terrace where visitors enjoyed live music and browse stalls selling drinks and snacks.
Janne Quintelier, representing Ciné Rio, noted that the idea for a 'drive-in' movie event had been in the works for some time, initially conceived shortly after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but postponed due to health concerns regarding large gatherings.
The Openbare Werken festival provided an appropriate platform for this innovative cinema experience.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, the festival will screen 'FLOW,' a visually captivating film by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, known for its minimal dialogue.
This screening continues the festival's focus on diverse cultural programming for local audiences.
The Openbare Werken festival extends until Sunday, May 18, 2025, featuring a variety of performances, walks, and art exhibitions across different locations in Ghent.
The festival provides information and assistance at Bar Edward located on Anseeleplein, where attendees can access schedules and maps for all upcoming events.
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