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COURTISANE

Courtisane is:

• a platform for film and audiovisual arts. We question the potential of audiovisual arts and its possible ways of showing, experiencing, seeing and looking. In doing so, we explore the relationships between image and world, aesthetics and politics, experiment and engagement.
• a network in which collaborations with formal and informal partners, the exchange of knowledge and the creation of visibility for creators and thinkers are at the core.
• a community in which a stimulating and participatory atmosphere of encounter and confrontation is encouraged.

Courtisane does this through:

• a yearly five-day festival at various locations in Ghent.
• an ongoing yearly programme of film screenings, presentations, discussions and encounters.
• publications of new and/or existing but forgotten texts.
   
   

A HISTORY

Courtisane was founded in 2002 by a young cinephile collective. For the first few years, the non-profit organised a festival for short films at arts centre/production house Victoria. In 2005 it moved to Vooruit Arts Centre and traditional cinema halls. Meanwhile, a small yearly programme was developed and an increasing focus was put on performances and exhibitions. After ten years, Courtisane experienced a moment of transition. The main changes took place in deepening the content, broadening the programme and finding new locations. The focus increasingly moved to the work of artists and filmmakers with a personal signature, work that shows a drive for innovation and social commitment. The operation saw a steady expansion of collaborations at home and abroad from this period onwards. Meanwhile, in addition to the festival, Courtisane organises about 20 activities per season.In recent years, moments of reflection were extended in the form of conversations, workshops and publications.

 
  
× Download courtisane festival logo
× Download courtisane logo