Belga Films and White Cinema File for Bankruptcy, Shaking Belgian Film Industry

Brussels, Belgium – February 17, 2026 – A wave of shock has hit the Belgian film industry as Belga Films SA, a key distributor, and the White Cinema, a Brussels-based multiplex it operated, have both filed for bankruptcy. The news, initially reported by Le Soir, signals a significant downturn for the sector.

Financial Difficulties Lead to Closure

White Cinema Brussels SRL filed for bankruptcy on February 12, 2026, bringing an end to the cinema complex located in the Docks shopping center. The cinema boasted eight screens and 950 seats. Simultaneously, Belga Films SA, one of Belgium’s oldest and most important film distributors, also initiated bankruptcy proceedings at the Nivelles court. Belga Films CEO Patrick Vandenbosch confirmed the filings to Le Soir.

Impact on Employment

The bankruptcies will result in the loss of approximately 33 jobs: 19 positions at Belga Films and 14 at White Cinema.

A Long History in Belgian Cinema

Founded in 1937 by Elyse Tobback and later taken over by her son-in-law Luc Hemelaer in 1949, Belga Films has a nearly 90-year history in the Belgian film landscape. The company was involved in both film distribution and production, bringing films like La La Land, 12 Years a Slave, and Life of Chuck to Belgian audiences. They were preparing to release Marty Supreme at the time of the filing.

Factors Contributing to the Collapse

Several factors contributed to the financial difficulties of both companies. The film sector has been facing increasing competition from streaming services. Belga Films also struggled to secure distribution rights for major American blockbusters. Specifically, White Cinema faced challenges related to the “Good Move” plan and ongoing construction perform impacting access to the Docks shopping center, according to Vandenbosch. Decreasing purchasing power among Brussels residents and rising ticket prices also played a role, as did the lack of subsidies received during the COVID-19 pandemic, unlike other cinemas.

Industry Reaction

VRT NWS film journalist Lieven Van Gils described the double bankruptcy as “a blow to our film sector.”

White Cinema’s Brief Run

White Cinema opened in 2016 and aimed to provide a modern cinema experience. However, it struggled with low attendance numbers, particularly even during major film releases. The cinema had been temporarily closed in recent days with a message indicating more information would follow, but that reopening will not occur.

Sources: Le Soir, VRT NWS, Surimpressions, De Film Blog