19/07/2002 - New funding will enable ambitious programmes to promote cinema and attract the public, starting in the autumn

A substantial increase in the budget of the Royal Film Library of Belgium will broaden its horizons allowing it to realize numerous projects scheduled to begin next autumn. With 1.98 million Euro, in addition to the equipment and supplies of the Museum of Cinema and the Decentralization Fund, Director Gabrielle Claes's team finally has the opportunity to make innovations. Already planned are: a thorough inventory of the Library's rich collection; facilitated public access; and cooperation with the Fine Arts facility to provide cinema exposition space for special showings such as The Pianist by Roman Polanski which is scheduled for September. In addition, film buffs can benefit from the expansion of the library's activity in INR's historic structure in Ixelles. Beginning in October, two categories of films will be offered there for public viewing, (without, however, competing with the program of the Cinema Museum of Anversa). Both the classics from the Decentralization Fund and feature films of the same quality that went unnoticed when they were released may enjoy a second life thanks to this program. By these means, the Royal Film Library of Belgium hopes to build up its reputation and overcome the neglect it has suffered for the past ten years.

(Translated from French)