Europe day: Movie night & EU flag projection

The thriller Ballon [Balloon] tells the true story of two families who, in the summer of 1979, built a hot air balloon in an attempt to cross the heavily guarded border between East and West Germany. With the Stasi - the notorious East German secret police - hot on their heels, they risk everything to make their dangerous escape a success.

The screening will begin with an introduction by Prof. Steven Van Hecke (KU Leuven).
This film is shown in the context of Europe Day (9 May), a celebration of peace and unity in Europe. The event is organized by the KU Leuven Fund InvolvEU in collaboration with Europe Direct of the Province of Flemish Brabant.

By showing your movie ticket, you are warmly invited to join us after the screening for a free drink on the Oude Markt, where you can also enjoy the projection of the EU flag on the Rega Wing of the University Hall.

Want to be there? Get your ticket now via the Cinema ZED website!

Steven Van Hecke (Professor of European Politics, KU Leuven):

“This film remains highly relevant because its themes - freedom, oppression, and resistance to authoritarian regimes - are still very much alive today. In a time when democratic values are under increasing pressure in many parts of the world, Ballon reminds us of the importance of our freedom. The film shows just how far people are willing to go for a better life, even when facing severe punishment. It highlights the sacrifices people make to chase their dreams. Ballon calls on us to reflect on how fragile freedom can be, and how political division—both in the past and now—can have devastating consequences for individuals and societies.”