Learn about the culture of Belgium over interesting conversations at this event

Sign up for an event that sparks interesting conversations around the culture and language of a tiny European nation through food and film

Last month at Khar’s 3 Art House, the conversation flowed from memories of holidaying in Switzerland, actor Jane Birkin’s influence on the famous Hermès Birkin bag, and cinema. The conversation-starter was the themed curation of a Swiss film and culinary festival. This weekend’s edition of the festival, a collaboration between Shamiana Shorts and 3 Art House, will introduce participants to the culture of Belgium where stirring up conversations seems to be key. We cannot imagine any other way to go through life than  by engaging with others to learn about the things we don’t know yet. Expanding on this thought, co-founder Banat Kaur Bagga shares, “We aim to create an experience where people view the film in the projector room and then, move to the next room for some food and conversation.”

Banat Kaur Bagga and Cyrus F Dastur

This art and culture house occupies what was originally a personal residence, an intimate space that can accommodate about 15 people; this might even usher in conversation without people feeling too lost in the crowd. This extends to the way the gallery curates their events, too. “We work with upcoming artistes and platforms that are homegrown or people who are just starting out and have unique things to offer,” Bagga shares. Similarly, the menu for the culinary aspect of the festival is set by a home chef. Last edition, The Grub Club catered a gruyère cheese fondue, apple strudel, croutons and dips. For this edition, the festival collaborates with Indrani Sen for Belgian waffles, flamiche (a savoury tart that resembles a quiche) and other bite-sized offerings. The menu selection presented by the home chef, Bagga tells us, hopes to go beyond the well-known dishes a place has to offer.

Croutons and apple wedges around a gruyère cheese fondue

Usually kept as a surprise for participants, Cyrus F Dastur, founder of Shamiana Shorts, tells us that the film showcased will be Death of a Shadow, an Academy Award-nominated film by Tom Van Avemaet. Explaining his selection, Dastur shares, “Apart from trivia, [themes], and people’s thoughts of the film, it will also give us a chance to explore the contribution of Belgian cinema, which might not usually pop up in a conversation around world or European cinema.”

A still from the trailer of the Belgian short film, Death of a Shadow. Pic Courtesy/YouTube 

On August 27; 5 pm to 8 pm
At  Art House, 3rd Cross Road, Khar West.
Log on to @3arthouse (DM to register)
Call 8356024972 (message to register in advance)
Entry Rs 500

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