Cultural integration

Ten Luxembourgish films to watch to get to know the country better

Discover a compelling cinematic journey through Luxembourg: explore 10 films and series deeply rooted in Luxembourg—whether through setting, themes, language, or production—that provide a vivid lens into the soul of the Grand Duchy

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Luxembourg is a small country with a rich history and culture which is often overshadowed by that of its larger neighbours. However, its cinema, though less well-known, provides a distinctive viewpoint on national identity, social change and international collaboration. From the first film screenings at the end of the 19th century to contemporary international co-productions, Luxembourgish films reflect the country's evolution and its desire for self-expression through cinema.

The history of Luxembourg cinema

Cinema in Luxembourg began to develop at the end of the 19th century. The first film shot in the country was created by the Lumière brothers in 1899. Before the First World War and during the 1920s, various directors and enthusiasts made short films and documentaries, but these did not attract much public attention.

In the 1980s, Luxembourg cinema experienced a revival thanks to directors such as Andy Bausch and actors such as Thierry van Werveke and Miriam Müller. Their work attracted a wide audience and paved the way for the further development of national cinema.

The first professional film company, Samsa Film, was founded in 1986. The Ministry of Culture financed the first professional feature film in Luxembourgish, Schacko Klak, in 1990. This coincided with the establishment of the Luxembourg Film Fund and the introduction of state subsidies for film production.

Since then, Luxembourgish cinema has gained international recognition by participating in prestigious festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival. Since 1989, over 45 Luxembourgish co-productions have been screened at this festival, and the country has won several awards, including the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

Today, Luxembourg actively supports the development of cinema through various festivals and cultural initiatives. Since 2011, the Luxembourg City Film Festival (LuxFilmFest) has been held annually, becoming the official national film festival supported by the Ministry of Culture and the City of Luxembourg.

The country also has the Cinémathèque de la Ville de Luxembourg, founded in 1977, which houses around 20,000 films and continues to screen classic films on film. And here are top 10 Luxembourgish movies to watch.

The Last Ashes (Läif a Séil, Directed by Loïc Tanson, 2023)

In this epic historical western, Loïc Tanson tells the story of Hélène, a girl who escaped the cruelty of a patriarchal community in 19^(th)-century Luxembourg. Having assumed a new identity, she returns to her native village to seek revenge on the Graff family, who are responsible for her parents' deaths. Visually resembling a European fairy tale mixed with plot clichés from American Westerns, the film provides an atmospheric portrayal of feudalism, power and class cruelty in a small country.

Source: Wikipedia.com

Gutland

The first film by Govinda Van Maele was shot on 35mm. It tells the story of Jens, a German man who travels from place to place and finds himself in a small village in Luxembourg. There, he tries to start a new life. At first, it seems that he is just an ordinary worker in the harvest, but it quickly becomes clear that he has a dark past and that the villagers are connected to each other in a strange way. The film is a mix of mystical drama, crime noir and folklore. This creates a tense atmosphere of suspicion and isolation in a small community.

Your Name Is Justine

This Luxembourg-Polish co-production, directed by Franco de Peña, tells the tragic story of Mariola, a young Polish woman who is lured to Berlin under false pretences and sold into sexual slavery. Filmed in Luxembourg, the film uses three languages — Polish, German and English — reflecting its European, cross-cultural nature. Through the heroine's fate, the film sheds light on the issue of human trafficking and showcases the preservation of dignity in challenging circumstances.

Capitani

This is the first Luxembourg crime series on Netflix. When a fifteen-year-old girl is murdered in the village of Manscheid, Inspector Luc Capitan is sent to investigate. He encounters a tangled web of secrets, local customs, and petty intrigues. The series has received acclaim from viewers and critics alike, presenting Luxembourg as a mysterious and intriguing country.

The Ninth Day

Volker Schlöndorff's historical drama is based on a true story about a Luxembourgish priest who was released from Dachau for nine days. This became a moral test for him. During this time, he is forced to persuade the bishop to collaborate with the Nazis and must decide whether to betray his conscience or return to the camp. This tense psychological thriller explores the theme of moral choices and the tragedy of occupied Luxembourg.

De falschen Hond

Luxembourgish director Andy Bausch explores the life of a municipal employee nicknamed 'False Dog' during the Belgian Revolution. The film illustrates the impact of historical events and political instability on ordinary people in Luxembourg. Ultimately, it is a parable about personal responsibility and national identity.

Le club des chômeurs

In his social comedy, Andy Bausch tells the story of a group of men from Differdange who form an 'Unemployed Club' and vow not to look for work, even if the opportunity arises. Set against the backdrop of the decline of the steel industry in southern Luxembourg, the film satirises bureaucracy and illustrates the solidarity of ordinary people. With humour similar to that in The Full Monty, it reflects the search for meaning in times of economic crisis.

A Wopbopaloobop A Lopbamboom

Andy Bausch's drama is set in Luxembourg during the early 1960s and follows a group of young people who are torn between tradition and their dreams of America. The main character, Rocco, returns from prison and tries to achieve the 'American dream', but is faced with the realities of provincial life. The film captures the atmosphere of rock 'n' roll, youthful rebellion and the cultural maturation of the era.

Rendolepsis

This Luxembourgish fantasy adventure drama was directed by Marc Barny and Philippe Schokweiler. The film tells the story of two girls who discover a magical book that transports them to a fantasy world full of challenges. This rare film is an example of cultural expression and a testament to the efforts to preserve the Luxembourgish identity.

Corsage

Marie Kreutzer's historical biopic about Empress Elisabeth II ("Sisi"), partly filmed in Luxembourg, features the ruins of a castle and a villa. Starring Vicky Krieps in the lead role, the film depicts the empress's internal conflicts as she attempts to balance her status with her desire for personal freedom. In this film, Luxembourg is not just a location, but a symbol of the crumbling empire's aesthetic atmosphere.