Screening the Benelux: A comparative research project on film policy and (trans)national identity in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg

Located at the heart of Western Europe and together serving as the direct predecessor of the European Union, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (the Benelux) are closely connected historically, politically and culturally. Nevertheless, they differ greatly in terms of national identity, making the countries particularly interesting to compare. This research project aims to make such a comparison by examining the role of the media in the contemporary construction of national and transnational identities. More specifically, the project focuses on how films and film policies in Belgium (Flanders and the French Community), the Netherlands and Luxembourg relate to (trans)national identities. The time frame of the project starts in 2009, when the Euro crisis began, and runs until 2018. The study relies on quantitative and qualitative research methods, making use of digital tools and involving analysis of films, policy documents, film (policy) production and circulation data, press documents and expert interviews. The project provides an innovative contribution to the international academic agenda due to its comparative and small media industries approach and its focus on the contemporary relationship between media and (trans)national identity in Western Europe. FWO Senior Postdoctoral Fellow with Ghent University as host institution (supervisor Daniel Biltereyst) and the University of Antwerp as partner institution (supervisor Philippe Meers).

Keywords:POLICY ANALYSIS, MEDIA AND COLLECTIVE IDENTITIES, NATIONAL IDENTITY, CINEMA

Disciplines:Communication sciences, Journalism and professional writing, Media studies, Other media and communications

Project type:Collaboration project