Theorizing Transregional Cinemas

Niels Niessen's study introduces the concept of 'Cinéma du Nord,' a transregional cinema encompassing southern Belgium (Wallonia) and northern France, particularly the Nord-Pas de Calais region. This approach challenges traditional methods for studying regional cinemas by emphasizing shared cultural, linguistic, historical, and industrial ties, such as a common French language, Catholic heritage, and postindustrial struggles. The study argues that this transregional lens offers new insights into filmmakers like Robert Bresson, Maurice Pialat, the Dardenne brothers, and Bruno Dumont, revealing a distinct aesthetic tradition rooted in secular humanism and documentary realism. Niessen supports his thesis by analyzing award-winning films like 'Rosetta' (Dardenne brothers) and 'L'Humanité' (Bruno Dumont), demonstrating how they explore themes of consolation in a postindustrial, secular age while maintaining regional authenticity.

Pettersen, D. (2022). Theorizing Transregional Cinemas. Discourse, 44(3), 377–379. https://doi.org/10.1353/dis.2022.0025