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Event Details
Welcome to the Film Fest Gent 2026 in Ghent
The 53rd Film Fest Gent runs from 7 to 18 October 2026 in Ghent, Belgium. More than 100 feature films, 40 shorts, 23 documentaries and two VR projects from 49 countries turn the city into an international hub for cinema and film music. The festival centre is Kinepolis Ghent at Ter Platen 12, with additional screenings and concerts across the historic centre.
Highlights & Attractions at Film Fest Gent in Ghent
- Opening film Coward by Lukas Dhont, Belgium’s 2026 Oscar submission
- Closing film Le Faux Soir by Michaël R. Roskam
- Official Competition with the Grand Prix for Best Film and the Georges Delerue Award for Best Soundtrack or Sound Design
- 26th World Soundtrack Awards on 10 October at Music Centre De Bijloke with the Brussels Philharmonic
- WSA Film Music Days from 8 to 10 October, with guests including Hildur Guðnadóttir and Trevor Jones
- Videodroom: cult films with newly composed live scores, in partnership with VIERNULVIER
- Focus programmes on El Pampero Cine and Barbara Hammer, plus a dedicated kids’ day on 11 October
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Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
Film Fest Gent 2026 presents more than 400 screenings at venues across Ghent: Kinepolis Ghent, Sphinx Cinema, Studio Skoop, KASKcinema, arts centre VIERNULVIER, Auditorium 61 and more. Concerts take place at Music Centre De Bijloke (Bijlokekaai 7) and MIRY Concert Hall. The WSA Film Music Days (8–10 October) bring composers and industry professionals to the city; the highlight is the WSA Ceremony & Concert on Saturday 10 October at 20:00, conducted by Dirk Brossé. The Official Selection and Competition focus on the impact of music on film. The line-up also includes Gala & Specials, shorts, classics, Sound & Vision, and family screenings on 11 October.
Tickets & Admission for Film Fest Gent Ghent
Admission is paid. Film tickets cost EUR 13 (standard) or EUR 11 (reduced for under-26s, over-65s and other eligible groups). A 5-ticket pack costs EUR 55 and a 10-ticket pack EUR 95 (not valid for opening/closing films, concerts or Videodroom). World Soundtrack Awards tickets are EUR 48 (category 2), EUR 58 (category 1) and EUR 185 (VIP including a drink). Unlimited Film Fest Friend passes range from EUR 380 (single) to EUR 750 (Golden Friend). Film tickets have been on sale since 17 September 2026 via the official website and Tickets Gent (Sint-Baafsplein 17). Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Ghent
- Arrive by train at Ghent-Sint-Pieters; Kinepolis Ghent is about ten minutes by bus or on foot. Most city-centre cinemas are walkable from the historic core.
- October in Ghent is often cool and wet: pack a light jacket and comfortable shoes for moving between venues.
- Book hotels and B&Bs near Sint-Pieters, Korenmarkt or Kinepolis early; the festival fills the city.
- Multi-ticket packs are better value if you plan several films; popular gala and WSA seats sell quickly.
- Use bikes and public transport: parking at the festival centre is limited and venues are well connected.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
