Controversy at Brussels International Film Festival over Sexist and Homophobic Comments during Screening of ‘Love Lies Bleeding’

The film will be screened at the Brussels International Film Festival (BIFFF). Love lies bleeding got out of hand The BIFFF is famous for its artistic audience – commenting at shows is part of the festival’s culture. But according to several messages on social media, the views crossed the line on Saturday night at Palace 10 when the strange thriller Rose Glass, starring Kristen Stewart, was presented.

Sexist and homophobic comments were said to have been made, particularly during sexual scenes. This included animal noises, swear words such as “dirty lesbians” and during a scene depicting sexual violence, it was reported that there was applause.

Other attendees in the 1,500-capacity room took offense and called for a fight. The group confirmed that there were also blows, although it did not lead to a large-scale brawl. The screening was halted, after which a volunteer spoke saying “it’s in the DNA of the festival to shout jokes at the screen”. When someone from the group later said the comments were offensive to the curious onlookers in the room, they reportedly shouted back: “They should go home.” Several people reportedly left the room in protest. The film screening followed.

The Seekers, dat Love lies bleeding in Belgium, saying he is “shocked and disappointed” by the events. “We ask the BIFFF to take measures to prevent discrimination, racism and other forms of insults during their performance. Until then, no more Searchers films will be screened at the festival.”

A word of warning

This is not the first time that the “DNA of BIFFF” has caused controversy. “As an 18-year-old I was still impressed by the violent atmosphere of the festival. But every year I feel less of a relationship with BIFFF and its screaming audience with racism, sexism and homophobes,” said Jonas Govaerts, director, among others. Well. “A festival like this does not deserve smart, confident and adventurous films like Love lies bleeding.” Govaerts calls BIFFF “not representative of the horror film community” and says he’d rather not go there anymore.

actress Salome Dewaels (Lost ideas) explains on Instagram how she also heard “sexist, homophobic and racist comments” at shows in the previous edition of the festival. She was a jury member at the time at the festival. “I tried to discuss this with the group, but there was nothing more than a warning before the session. Way too light.”

The group confirms that Dewaels made the comments. “During subsequent shows, our presenter asked the audience to respond verbally when things were said that weren’t quite right. ” That practice was not immediately repeated this year.

The BIFFF group has now responded on social media “Saturday’s testimonials are inappropriate and do not at all reflect the free and adventurous spirit of the festival. Discriminatory comments against any community will never find a place here. We therefore offer our sincere apologies to the public.”

BIFFF runs until 21 April. Last Saturday was the only day it was screened Love lies bleeding it was planned. Other films were scheduled to be screened in collaboration with the queer film festival Pink Screens on Monday night. The group has had enough now: Pink Screens decided on Monday to end the collaboration with BIFFF.

BIFFF pledges to make an extra effort to raise awareness for what is left. “For each film, a video is shown showing what is allowed and what is not allowed in the theateralso in terms of opinion. There will also be a separate slide on the screen that will make it clear that homophobic comments are not acceptable.”