Little Belgium

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Movie
Original title Little Belgium
Country of production Belgium
original language English
Publishing year 1942
length 10 mins
Rod
Director Humphrey Jennings
production Belgian Ministry of Information

Little Belgium is a Belgian documentary in English from 1942.

Brixham Harbor

content

The film begins with a view over the harbor of Brixham , a small town in the south-west of England, at the southern end of Torbay Bay . Over 2000 Belgians fled to the English port city during World War II . They even had their own school there. Excerpts from school lessons are shown, which also report on the war and touch on the colonial policy of Belgium. This is followed by pictures that show the older children, women and men in their numerous activities together. Fishing nets are tied, planks are painted and other work is carried out in the port.

Before the men leave with their boats, crushed ice is brought on board and the rifles are shouldered. It is a pleasure for everyone when the men come back laden with fish that have gone into their nets. The reward is a beer in a pub. Because of the political situation and the different points of view that the men represent, there can be a fight there.

NS: Brixham was one of the loading ports for the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. That demanded a lot from the small town. During this time too, fishing dominated the town.

background

The film was made by the Belgian Ministry of Information with the assistance of British Paramount News, which was launched in exile.

The Second World War was a turning point for Belgian filmmakers. The Belgian government under Prime Minister Hubert Pierlot had fled into exile in London to continue its fight against Germany. The Belgian King Leopold III. however, felt obliged to stay with his people in the country. However, he put down his official business.

Award

The film, released by the Belgian Ministry of Information , was nominated for an Oscar in the category “Best Documentary” at the 1943 Academy Awards, but had to take precedence over the productions Battle for Midway , Kokoda Front Line! , Moscow Strikes Back and Prelude to War .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. Little Belgium at filmaffinity.com, accessed January 7, 2016.