Effective Support for the Audiovisual Sector and the Brussels EconomyEffective Support for the Audiovisual Sector and the Brussels Economy
Through strategic investments and an ambitious vision, screen.brussels continues to play a vital role in developing the audiovisual sector in Brussels. In 2024, the impact of its support reaffirms its importance for the economy, employment, and the visibility and reputation of the region. This year, screen.brussels invested €3 million in 27 projects, generating an exceptional expected return of €34.122 million in audiovisual spending. This represents an average return of €9.5 for every euro invested during the 2016-2024 period.
“This investment strategy is an efficient and measurable mechanism that stimulates employment and generates business for Brussels-based companies, contributing to a key sector,” says Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region. “Additionally, 60% of supported projects are directed by a Brussels-based talent, and 80% have a Brussels-based production,” he adds.
Brussels: A Global Showcase
The support provided by screen.brussels generates not only economic (direct and indirect) impact but also boosts the image and reputation of the region. In 2024, Brussels serves as a key setting in 13 of the 27 supported projects, contributing to the emergence of Brussels’ soft power that benefits other economic and tourism sectors. Works like La Nuit se traîne, TKT, and BXL continue to captivate audiences, while series such as Pandore, Roomies, and 1985 leave a lasting mark on the public imagination. Previous productions like Augure, Quitter la nuit, and Sirocco et le royaume des courants d'air have earned accolades at international festivals, solidifying the Brussels-Capital Region’s position as a major player in European film and audiovisual production.
Inspiring European Political Narratives
While Brussels is widely recognized as a central hub for power, lobbying, espionage, and political intrigue, few audiovisual projects have fully drawn inspiration from its role as a European and international capital. To address this, screen.brussels launched the Cineuro FilmLab 'European Stories.' In collaboration with other European regions (Grand Est in France and Luxembourg), this initiative encourages the development of ‘European’ audiovisual productions through inspiration sessions and writing workshops. These bring together screenwriters and insiders from the ‘European Bubble’ to share anecdotes and insider stories.
Diverse Formats Supported
Since its inception, screen.brussels has been committed to supporting the quality and diversity of projects across all formats. In 2024, investments were made in 12 feature films, 6 documentaries, 5 animation projects, and 4 series, accounting for 48% (feature films), 28% (animation), 19% (series), and 5% (documentaries) of the €3 million allocated.
Projects with a Strong Social Impact
The social impact of certain projects supported by screen.brussels is also worth celebrating. Documentaries like Dans leur monde, Famille choisie, The Deal with Iran, and L’Eukrainienne shed light on critical societal issues. Fiction projects like TKT by Solange Cicurel (school bullying), Amal by Jawad Rahlib (radicalization), BXL by Monir and Ish Aït Hamou (emancipation), and series like Roomies by Kato De Boeck and Flo Van Deuren (LGBTQI+ themes) and Hacked by Leni Huyghe and Laura Van Haecke (school bullying) combine audience success with educational value and integration into school programs.
The Rise of Animation in Brussels
With the growing prominence of the #Brussels #AnimationValley, the Brussels animation sector is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in Europe. Projects like Ewilan's Quest, Chickenhare 2, Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake, Outfoxed, and La grande rêvasion exemplify this creative dynamism.