Nova ?

Nova is a movie theatre that opened at the end of January, 1997, in the center of Brussels. The theatre’s programming is dedicated to independently produced films and videos. The Nova Cinema is therefore not a commercial screen, rather a non-profit organization managed by a collective of individuals who work on a volunteer basis. In existence for over a decade now, Nova has become an important reference point for alternative, unconventional or simply different approaches to the audiovisual arts, in Belgium and abroad.

Nova offers monthly programming and events with films and program elements selected to complement chosen (and always changing) themes. Nova also organizes events that bring new, contemporary productions to the screen and offer a general platform for discussion. Nova’s program includes events such as ’The Open Screen’, ’Live Soundtracks", "TV Nova", "Midnight Screenings", "Ears Open" and "Cineketje"... as well as frequent special events organized in collaboration with external associations and groups. Nova screens short, medium and full length feature films, documentaries and experimental films that can’t find distribution in Belgium or are too "difficult" to screen in commercial cinemas.

Nova, with years of programming and curatorial work under its belt, has naturally evolved into a small distribution house. And after dedicating so much attention to different workshops and alternative production methods, it has also put into place its own production structure.

Above all, Nova is a social venue, a space that opens its doors to all disciplines. A variety of different creative forms of expression — visual art, photography, music, performance, etc. — is regularly featured in the spaces and bar located beneath the cinema. The bar-café welcomes diverse crowds and brings them together for meetings, debates, exhibits, installations, performances, workshops as well as events like the Microboutiek, DJs, concerts and parties.

It is difficult to pack everything about this "house of living cinema" and how it’s managed into a few paragraphs. So we invite you to please come and discover the Nova Cinema in person!

Is Cinema dead? When it comes to exploring this artistic medium, a medium that provides space for so many practices to come into play, the debate is intense and often unheard. In a time when the lines between art/entertainment/industry are rotting away, it’s difficult to come across films that haven’t been backed by enormous production and marketing budgets. Cinema Nova, a one screen movie theatre in the centre of Brussels, opened its doors in 1997. Its goal: to provide access to alternative, unconventional and challenging cinematic approaches.

Nova is a non-profit association that operates entirely on the dedication and sweat of its volunteer staff. Thanks to their years of commitment, the cinema’s reach and reputation has long since spread past Belgium’s borders.

Nova offers diverse monthly programming based on selected thematic threads. In addition to screening contemporary and historic films, Nova organizes a variety of special events like the Open Screen, Live Soundtracks, TV Nova, Ears Open, Cineketje and Midnight Screenings. Throughout the year, Nova is also a proud collaborative partner on national an international events like the Brussels Fantasy Film Festival. The Nova screen is open to all formats and welcomes a mix of short, medium and full length feature films, as well as documentaries, experimental short films and videos that were either never properly distributed in Belgium or simply shunned by the conservative commercial circuit.

After years of programming screenings, establishing an international network, and organizing events, Nova has naturally evolved to establish additional structures to support cinema. It has not only become a small distribution house, bu. thanks to its focus on different workshops and alternative production methods, it has begun to develop its own production structure.

In the spirit of Cinema, Nova also strives to make space for other mediums. Performance art, political forums, musical gigs, the Microboutiek, and a slew of visual arts are displayed on a regular basis in the Nova Bar located beneath the cinema. Drinks are cheap, conversation is easy to come by, and DJs provide the right atmosphere to bring together diverse crowds . Like the theatre space, the Nova Bar and studio are aimed at sharing and stimulating discussions and experiences.

The true scope of Nova is hard to pack into one introduction. If you are curious about this "house of living cinema", we encourage you to send an email to a member of our team or, better yet, to stop by and see the space for yourself!