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Heysel Disaster Reimagined in Haunting New Film
31 Oct
Summary
- The film 'Heysel 85' is inspired by the 1985 stadium disaster where 39 died.
- Director Mihai explores the disaster's legacy as a unifying moment in Belgium.
- The film blends archival footage with 16mm live-action sequences.
Teodora Ana Mihai's feature film, 'Heysel 85,' has begun its international rollout, premiering recently at the Tokyo Film Festival. Inspired by the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster in Brussels, where 39 people died before a football match, the film delves into the event's lasting impact. Mihai described the disaster as a moment comparable to 9/11 in the US, highlighting its unifying effect on Belgium's divided communities.
The narrative follows Marie, the mayor's daughter, and Luca, an Italian journalist searching for his family amidst the chaos. The film uses a compelling mix of archival footage and live-action sequences shot on 16mm film, a choice made to visually integrate historical material. Mihai aimed to capture the "existential" potential of football as a backdrop for exploring profound themes.
'Heysel 85' opened in Belgium on November 18 and in the UK on November 20. Mihai is already working on her fourth feature, titled 'Two Lives,' a drama about a widow coping with loss and motherhood.
