In cooperation with Flanders Image and Wallonie Bruxelles Images

With the support of E.L.M.A. (European Languages and Movies in America)

Over the past two decades, Belgian cinema (be it from Flanders or the Francophone part of the country), has risen to prominence in the international filmmaking arena, boasting richly diverse films that consistently garner critical praise and worldwide interest. From the unsettling but still urgently relevant MAN BITES DOG to the quirky and vibrant tale of identity mix-up in TOTO THE HERO, both of which rocked the Cannes Film Festival in the early 1990s, to the monumental saga of DAENS or the Oscar-nominated EVERYBODY FAMOUS; to the string of critically lauded dramatic works by the brilliant brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (ROSETTA, THE SON, THE CHILD, LORNA'S SILENCE); to last year's impressive THE MISFORTUNATES and the hilariously wacky big-screen installment of the stop-motion-animated A TOWN CALLED PANIC, the Belgian film industry has proven its dexterity in tone and its originality in aesthetic.

Belgium assumes the presidency of the European Union from July to December of 2010. In celebration of this position, it is partnering with the American Cinematheque to present "Grit and Whimsy," a series showcasing a different recent Belgian film on every third Wednesday of the upcoming six months. The lineup includes top-notch films that range from buoyant to heavy-hitting, such as the breathtaking thriller DOSSIER K., the coming-of-age comedy PRIVATE LESSONS, delightful romp THE OVER-THE-HILL BAND and thought-provoking drama ANGEL AT SEA. Other highlights include Belgium’s 2011 Oscar submission for foreign language film and a surprise title in December.