Ostend is gearing up for the start of the 17th edition of its annual Film Festival.
For ten days, visitors can enjoy an impressive programme full of impressive previews, the best of Flemish cinema and striking new work by international masters.
Those who prefer to read books can fully immerse themselves in the program of FAAR, the non-fiction book festival.
The film festival runs from January 31 to February 8.
During this period the coastal city will be transformed into a nine-day film festival.
You may even get the chance to spot national and international film stars, enjoy glamorous red carpet moments and attend the star leggings.
Meanwhile, for the fourth time in a row, FAAR opens the literary festival with a festive opening evening.
Aside from these two major events, there is a lot to do in Ostend during the spring break.
This includes the Fox and Hare hands-on exhibition and the Ketnet Junior exhibition with Tik Tak and Sarah.
You can also immerse yourself in the past of Ostend in the educational Testerep exhibition or go out and discover the city during a walk or bike tour with a guide.
Ostend and Paris will also come together in ‘Liefde Tussen De Lijnen’, a charming mini festival from February 14 to 16, with Paris as inspiration.This includes author readings, panel discussions, musical interludes and a Parisian-style party.
Programmer Hendrik Tratsaert combines words and music in an atmospheric programme that seeks to inspire readers and writers.
This year too, ten new art works will adorn the streets of Ostend. Between March 31 and April 12, (inter)national artists will create new wall paintings in Ostend. From April 12, all works will be ready and will be officially presented to the general public.
For families, you can experience an enchanting afternoon in the theatre courtesy of magicians Benjamin Verdonck and Lucas van Haesbroeck. This wordless performance “takes you on a dreamy journey full of surprises.”
Nicholas Arnst, the reference in Flemish magic since 2013, also presents his fourth theatre show with “If nothing is certain… everything is possible”.
- Photo courtesy of Toerisme Oostende
