Union of the Belgian Film Press (UPCB-UBFP) celebrates its centenary

Since 2006, it has carried on the mission of the APPCB, founded in 1925, by highlighting cinema in the media, fostering solidarity among its members, and awarding distinctions such as the annual Grand Prix and the Humanum Prize. 

To mark the UBFP-UPCB's centenary in 2025, CINEMATEK is joining the celebration by inviting Union members to present, throughout the year, every third thursday of the month, a selection of 12 films awarded by UBFP-UPCB journalists since the association's inception.

Since 2006, it has carried on the mission of the APPCB, founded in 1925, by highlighting cinema in the media, fostering solidarity among its members, and awarding distinctions such as the annual Grand Prix and the Humanum Prize.To mark the UBFP-UPCB's centenary in 2025, CINEMATEK is joining the celebration by inviting Union members to present, throughout the year, every third thursday of the month, a selection of 12 films awarded by UBFP-UPCB journalists since the association's inception.

It was 1925. Gathered in Brussels, a small group of Belgian journalists decided to establish a press association dedicated to the seventh art. Their aim was not only to promote cinema in the media beyond commercial interests but also to safeguard the rights and professional interests of their members, all of whom earned their livelihoods as film journalists.

This is how the APPCB (Association Professionnelle de la Presse Cinématographique Belge) came into being. At its helm were seven pioneers: Edouard de Tallenay (La Nation Belge), Carl Vincent (L'Indépendance Belge), Arthur Michel (La Gazette), Julien Flament (Cinéo), Pierre Bourgeois (INR), Joris De Maegt (Het Laatste Nieuws), and Henri de Broudère (L'Étoile Belge).

A few years later, some of these journalists would play a role in founding the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), also born in Brussels.During the flourishing 1930s, the association regularly organized galas and meetings with prominent figures such as Fritz Lang, Suzy Vernon, and Jeanette MacDonald. It was even involved in organizing the first international film festival in Brussels during the 1935 World Exposition.

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The association endured the dark years of World War II, and some of its members were expelled after the Liberation. In 1953, an internal crisis led to a split, resulting in the creation of the parallel Union de la Critique de Cinéma (UCC), co-founded by Pierre Thonon, Joseph Bertrand and Olivier Delville.

Despite its division, the APPCB continued hosting galas and awarding prizes under the leadership of its president, Joë Van Cottom. Highlights included events such as the screening of Till Eulenspiegel in 1957 at the Cinéma Marivaux, attended by Gérard Philipe, and the 1961 screening of The Guns of Navarone in the presence of King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola. The final gala took place in 1975 to celebrate the association's 50th anniversary, featuring René Clair and numerous French stars.

In the 1980s, the association experienced a revival. Roland Lommé succeeded Joë Van Cottom as president, and journalist Michel Mouligny introduced the Humanum Prize, awarded to a film advocating for harmonious coexistence among diverse peoples. A new generation of journalists began taking an interest in the organization, which further strengthened its ties with FIPRESCI. In 1991, eager to take new initiatives, the members introduced the APPCB’s Grand Prize, awarded annually to the best film released in Belgium.

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In 2006, following numerous internal conflicts and divisions among local sections, the APPCB dissolved. Its Brussels branch restructured as a national nonprofit organization, adopting the name UBFP-UPCB (Unie van de Belgische Filmpers / Union de la Presse Cinématographique Belge). Over the years, its leadership included figures such as Jean-Claude Bronckart, Dominique Ronse, Ronnie Pede, Ivan Corbisier, and Stéphane Fefer.

In 2012, the UBFP-UPCB was reinvigorated by diversifying and rejuvenating its board. Former treasurer Jack Mener became vice president, while David Hainaut, at just 32 years old, was elected president, marking a fresh chapter for the association. Hainaut reactivated the aid fund created in 1927 and introduced the Prix de la Critique, awarded by the Union at various national film events throughout the year.

In 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered cinemas worldwide, the UBFP-UPCB elected a new board. For the first time, two women assumed leadership roles: Elli Mastorou as president and Djia Mambu as vice president and treasurer.

A century later, here we are. Today, our association comprises around 150 journalists and critics, both Dutch- and French-speaking, all dedicated to cinema. To celebrate our centenary, we present an anniversary program: throughout 2025, on the third Thursday of each month at CINEMATEK, we invite you to screenings of films—Belgian and international—that have, in one way or another, shaped the history of our association and, more broadly, the profession. Each screening will be followed by a discussion.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bozar and CINEMATEK for their support and hospitality.

May 2025 be a wonderful year of celebration for all our members, supporters, friends, and partners!

Happy 100th anniversary, UBFP-UPCB!

Elli Mastorou, President

Djia Mambu, Vice President and Treasurer