back

La kermesse héroïque

Carnival in Flanders
Berlinale Classics 2026
© STUDIO TF1 & Fonds Didier Griselain
In 1616, the Flemish town of Boom is preparing for the church fair. Then the Spanish ambassador announces that his troops will be taking up residence in the town. Fearful of the occupiers committing atrocities, the mayor simply plays dead – much to the disgust of his wife. She convinces the women of Boom that it makes more sense to welcome the soldiers as guests to placate them. While she is busy charming the ducal ambassador, her fellow townswomen take advantage of the fair festivities to engage in the odd bit of hanky-panky with the other officers. The allegedly dead mayor has to watch helplessly as the ladies’ fraternisation strategy produces results.
Made in co-production with Nazi Germany, the film faced criticism in Belgium and France for its propagation of appeasement policy. There was, however, unreserved praise for the lead Françoise Rosay and particularly for the film’s sumptuous set design, which echoed 17th century Flemish painting. The film can be read as a fresh, sex-positive, feminist comedy. The 4K restoration used a dupe positive held at the French Film Archives (CNC) in France.
by Jacques Feyder (Director), Charles Spaak (Screenplay), Bernard Zimmer (Screenplay)
with Françoise Rosay, André Alerme, Jean Murat, Louis Jouvet, Lyne Clevers, Micheline Cheirel, Maryse Wendling, Ginette Gaubert, Marguerite Ducoure, Bernard Lancret France / Germany 1935 French 117' Black/White World premiere of the digitally restored version

With

  • Françoise Rosay
  • André Alerme
  • Jean Murat
  • Louis Jouvet
  • Lyne Clevers
  • Micheline Cheirel
  • Maryse Wendling
  • Ginette Gaubert
  • Marguerite Ducoure
  • Bernard Lancret

Crew

Director Jacques Feyder
Screenplay Charles Spaak, Bernard Zimmer
Cinematography Harry Stradling
Editing Jacques Brillouin
Music Louis Beydts
Sound Design Hermann Storr
Production Design Pierre Guerlais
Costumes Georges K. Benda

Additional information

DCP: Studio TF1, Paris

Photos