Le Dernier des six

What does cinema mean in an occupied country?

During the Second World War, Belgian cinemas continued to run – but under strict supervision of the German occupier. Hollywood disappeared from the theatres. No Charlie Chaplin, no Greta Garbo. In their stead appeared German stars, propaganda newsreels and movies that had to support the new regime. And yet, the cinemas continued to draw crowds: every week more than a hundred thousand tickets were sold. Cinema offered entertainment, escapism and collective experience – but at the same time it became an instrument of influence as well.

In this visually structured talk, Roel Vande Winkel, professor of film history at the KU Leuven, investigates how film culture functioned in occupied Belgium. By means of rare pictures, posters, archival material and film fragments, he brings to life a forgotten chapter of the Belgian cinema and public history. The presentation not only highlights the films and the audience reactions, but also the bombings of theatres, censorship, collaboration and the tragic fate of Jews who worked in the Belgian film sector.

“Cinema in occupied Belgium” is not a classic academic talk, but a richly illustrated public presentation that immerses cinephiles, students and enthusiasts into the atmosphere, imagery and film experience of the war years. The accompanying screening of film noir policier LE DERNIER DES SIX was set up in collaboration with CINEMATEK.

In LE DERNIER DES SIX by Georges Lacombe six friends make a pact to share their fortunes in five years’ time. When the deadline approaches, one of the friends is mysteriously murdered. Then another one follows and another one… The film is based on a book by Belgian writer Stanislas-André Steeman and was adapted for the screen by Henri-Georges Clouzot (LE SALAIRE DE LA PEUR). The production took place in occupied France and was run by the German-led Continental Films.

The presentation connects with the publication of the book Bioscoop in bezet België, which will be published in November 2026 by Ertsberg.