La Kermesse héroïque

Summary

Carnival in Flanders

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.

Source: 76. Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin (Catalogue)