Like New Zealand, Belgium and the Netherlands have small populations and consequently small film budgets that rely heavily on government funding. As a result film makers from these countries, like our own, have a reputation for innovative methods and a roll-your-sleeves-up attitude. When Dutch director Paul Verhoeven first moved to Hollywood he was stunned by the excess of the industry there; his second U.S. film, 'Robocop', contains many digs at the ultimate consumerist society that were not in the original script he was given. In 1992 three Belgian film students released their daring and controversial film, 'Man Bites Dog'; made on a shoe-string this film proves the point that it doesn't take great amounts of money to make great films - just plenty of imagination, dedication and a fair amount elbow grease. Pictured: A scene from castrato Farinelli's colourful and eventful life
A no-holds-barred portrait of an unashamedly brutal serial killer (played by co-director Benot Poelvoorde). This unique black comedy, shot in document... Read more
Mentally-challenged Pauline is obsessed with pretty flowers and her glamourous sister Paulette. When Martha, her caretaker sister, dies suddenly, Paul... Read more
When Nora witnesses Abel being bullied by other kids, she rushes to protect him. But Abel forces her to remain silent. Caught in a conflict of loyalty... Read more
Stringent vegetarian Justine (Garance Marillier) encounters a decadent, merciless and dangerously seductive world during her first week at veterinary... Read more
'Rosetta' (1999, 90 mins) Winner of the 1999 Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and widely hailed as a masterpiece, 'Rosetta' is an extraordinary... Read more
The Saint Nick in this Dutch horror outing isn't the toy-dispensing Santa Claus you know and love, but a bloodthirsty medieval bishop-turned-pirate wh... Read more
Cecile de France stars in the true story of Jeannine Deckers, international '60s pop icon Soeur Sourire, or The Singing Nun. Jeannine's dull parents w... Read more
Rudolf van den Berg directs this remarkable true story from the Netherlands. Amsterdam, Summer 1942. Walter Süskind (Jeroen Spitzenberger) can count h... Read more
In Belgian director Jaco Van Dormaels universe, God (Benoit Poelvoorde) is a mean-spirited bastard lounging around his Brussels apartment in dressing... Read more
Elise and Didier fall in love at first sight. She has her own tattoo shop and he plays the banjo in a bluegrass band. They bond over their shared enth... Read more