A packed house, more than 1,000 people, prestigious guests, emotional reunions, and a flurry of surprises: the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the Liège International Comedy Film Festival (FIFCL) will be remembered for years to come! An exceptional evening filled with laughter, emotion, and cinema, with Jean Dujardin as the guest of honor.
A spectacular opening led by Éric and Quentin
There was magic in the air in Liège! In front of more than 1,000 spectators who had gathered for the occasion, the 11th edition of the FIFCL officially kicked off its festivities with a ceremony that was as spectacular as it was warm and welcoming.
As hosts of this exceptional evening, Éric and Quentin infused the ceremony—which was punctuated by encounters, surprises, and moments of camaraderie—with their humor, energy, and generosity.
The entire International Jury was also in attendance, led by its chair, Marie-Anne Chazel, a leading figure in French cinema and comedy.
An opening ceremony worthy of the Festival’s ambitions, which once again confirms its influence and its ability to bring together the biggest names in cinema in the heart of the “Cité Ardente.”
Jean Dujardin Takes Center Stage at an Evening Full of Emotion
As the guest of honor at this 11th edition, Jean Dujardin was undoubtedly one of the evening’s biggest stars.
To celebrate his presence, the Festival had organized a special event for him, hosted by Cathy Immelen, during which one surprise followed another.
And what surprises they were!
Louise Monot, who co-starred with Jean Dujardin in *OSS 117: Rio ne répond plus*, and Jean-François Halin, screenwriter of the series, were on hand to discuss the world of French cinema’s most offbeat secret agent.
But the reunion didn’t end there!
The cast of *Nous C Nous*, the film that marked Jean Dujardin’s debut, was also in attendance, adding a wonderful touch of nostalgia and camaraderie to the celebration.
Another particularly touching moment was the presenceof Audrey, Bruno Salomone’s wife, who, through her participation, served as a reminder of the human and artistic bonds that unite this large comedy family.
Antoine Duléry and James Huth, two figures who have also crossed paths with Jean Dujardin in the world of the arts, joined this incredible gathering.
So many familiar faces, shared memories, and thoughtful gestures—all of which turned this gathering into a true tribute to the man, the actor, and his exceptional career.
TeddyBear: An Emotional Musical Interlude
Music also played a prominent role in this opening ceremony.
TeddyBear treated the audience to a deeply moving musical interlude with “Chaussures Roses,” offering a moment of tenderness and emotion in the midst of an evening filled with laughter, surprises, and festivities.
A moment that seemed to stand still, reminding us that film and music share the same universal power: the power to bring people together and touch their hearts.
An Honorary Golden Bull Award presented by Elsa Zylberstein
To cap off an evening that was already full of excitement, the Festival had one final surprise in store for Jean Dujardin.
Elsa Zylberstein took the stage to present him with the prestigious Golden Bull of Honor, recognizing his career, his talent, and his exceptional contribution to cinema.
A powerful and symbolic moment that brought the ceremony to a splendid close—a ceremony that celebrated friendship, loyalty, and a love of cinema.
From his early days in comedy to his international recognition, Jean Dujardin embodies that rare ability to make audiences laugh, move them, and bring them together.
More than 1,000 people gathered in Liège to celebrate film and comedy
With an attendance of over 1,000 people, a prestigious international jury, distinguished guests, and surprises that were as numerous as they were moving, the FIFCL put on an exceptional opening ceremony.
Beyond the personalities in attendance, it was above all the spirit of the Festival that shone through: a cinema that is accessible, generous, popular, and deeply human, where encounters between artists and the public play an essential role.
This 11th edition is thus off to a great start, with an evening that will undoubtedly go down as one of the highlights in the history of the Liège International Comedy Film Festival.
And one thing is certain: in Liège, comedy films have never been celebrated more than they are now!
The FIFCL is much more than just a festival: it’s a big family brought together by cinema, laughter, and emotion.
