World Cinema and Belgian Focus at the 18th Edition of Viewpoint

From raw urban portraits to intimate family stories, from poetic coming-of-age to confronting personal testimonies — the 18th edition of the Viewpoint Documentary Film Festival once again brings a kaleidoscope of stories that confront, astonish, and connect. With 27 selected documentaries from Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, France, the United States, and Iran, Viewpoint offers a unique glimpse into the world we live in.

From April 13 to April 19, 2026, the festival once again settles into Velvet Room, alongside an online streaming program for those who prefer to watch from home — or want to watch again.

“I am extremely excited about the program of this 18th edition. It has become a selection where intimacy and social urgency go hand in hand. Films that not only show, but continue to resonate,” says curator Kris De Meester.

Tickets are free (including a free drink!), turning each screening into a mini-event. These films are not meant to be watched in silence — they ask for discussion, conversation, and a look of wonder.

Program Highlights:

The Watchman (Belgium) – Victoire Bonin, Lou Du Pontavice

In Guangdong, we follow a security guard and a concierge who place all their hopes on their son, a French horn student in Beijing. When he moves to Estonia to attend a prestigious conservatory, they must learn to deal with his absence and their changing role as parents.Running time: 01:19:00

A Man Imagined (Canada) – Melanie Shatzky, Brian M. Cassidy

A hallucinatory and intimate portrait of Lloyd, a man with schizophrenia who has lived on the streets for decades. Blending documentary and cinematic imagination, the film follows his life between highways, junkyards, and extreme seasons.Running time: 01:02:00

The Insides of Our Lives (Netherlands) – Misja Pekel

A poetic film combining fiction and found footage. Using thousands of hours of archival material, the film tells the coming-of-age story of two girls growing up along a European border that slowly separates them.Running time: 00:50:00

Inferior Shadows (Iran) – Ramin Khalighi

A young couple moves to the big city in search of work and a better life, but ends up trapped in poverty and addiction. Together with Parvin’s younger brother, they try to survive by collecting and selling what others throw away.Running time: 01:25:20

The Ogre (United States) – Justin Boswick

An uncompromising film about an experimental band from Portland preparing for their biggest show yet — a raw trip through music, subculture, and performance.Running time: 00:34:50

To the Embers (France) – Morgane Ambre

A personal and courageous film that begins with a rape and the letter that followed years later. The film becomes an open letter to rape culture and explores guilt, responsibility, and healing.Running time: 00:28:55

Standby (Belgium) – Daphne van den Blink

On board the navy ship Louise-Marie, young sailors are confronted with life inside a closed micro-society during a crucial NATO training mission.Running time: 01:10:00

Practical Information

Location: Velvet Room (Ghent) and via streaming

Dates: April 13 – 19, 2026 (Velvet Room) / April 13 – May 12, 2026 (streaming)

Tickets: FREE (incl. drink)

More info and program: https://www.viewpointdocfest.com