This short film, "Less Walls: A Brussels love story" was presented at the SIETAR Europa Congress in Lille in June 2024 

The film, created by First Move Productions, shows how Silvia and Nanouk focus on urban-community building through mural painting. They are filmed working with local residents to break down invisible barriers in Brussels. 

They do this by examining clichés and intercultualism. 

What does this mean?

It means we all have limiting ideas about the place(s) we call home, or otherwise think we know. Yet, through the bubbles of our own lives, busy with whatever each of us is busy and preoccupied with, only allow us to see a portion of the whole. 

Here, First Move Productions takes us along with the residents featured in the film on a deeper journey and understanding of Brussels. This might begin with the stereotypical understanding of Brussels: fries, waffles, beer, Atomium, the Grand Place, Mannekenpis (and Jannekenpis), and the European Institutions. However, collectively we come to learn through raw data that the reality of this beautiful city is much more complex.

Before you watch: 

1. Either in your mind or on a piece of paper - imagine what 'home' means to you. What is the first image or thing that comes to mind? 

What does this image or thing mean to you? How is it connected to the location or idea of 'home' to you? 

2. What ideas or stereotypes do you have of Brussels? How have you come to have these ideas? Through visiting the city or through media (films, tv, news reports, or other people's stories)? 

Watch it here: Less Walls: A Brussels love story

Post-viewing reflection:

1. How has your idea of 'home' changed since watching the film? 

2. How has your understanding of Brussels changed since watching the film? 

3. What ideas or feelings does this bring up for you both about Brussels and your own 'home'?

4. Do you need to explore the data around one or both of these places for yourself? Why or why not? 

Alternatively, if you have explore the data for one or both of these places (your 'home' and / or Brussels) what have you learned? How has this shaped your understanding of this (or these) location(s)? 

What to dig deeper into this topic with our community? Jump over to our members-only forum to add your own answers (and / or questions).