YBCC Hosts Screening of Award-Winning Yemeni Film "The Burdened" at Kokerpark, Ghent

As part of the summer outdoor screenings at Kokerpark in Ghent, the Yemeni Belgian Cultural Center (YBCC) co-organized a cinema and cultural evening on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in partnership with local organizations:

1. CineRio
2. Fietskeuken Gent
3. Friends of Sparrestraat
4. Voluit in Trafiek
5. De Koer

About the Film: The event featured the acclaimed 2023 Yemeni film "The Burdened" directed by Amr Gamal, which portrays the poignant story of a married couple navigating harsh economic and social hardships amidst the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

Community Engagement & Civic Presence: The screening drew a broad turnout from the local Ghent community, alongside representatives from the City of Ghent and the Flemish Integration Agency. Attendees enjoyed an authentic taste of Yemen, sampling traditional dishes like Kabsa and Mandi, alongside Yemeni coffee, tea, and fresh juices.

During the event, Mr. Omar Ba-Owein, Secretary General of YBCC, noted:

“Cultural events like these play a vital role in showcasing Yemeni identity while building genuine bridges of understanding and integration across communities in Belgium.”

Honoring Local Partners: To conclude the evening, YBCC presented a recognition award to De Koer and its leader, Ms. Janne Quintelier, honoring their ongoing support for collaborative cultural initiatives. Ms. Quintelier expressed her appreciation for Yemen's rich heritage and emphasized the value of cross-cultural dialogue.

Screening Details:

1. Runtime: 91 minutes
2. Language: Arabic with English subtitles
3. Location: Kokerpark – Ghent
4. Admission: Free

YBCC extends its gratitude to all partner organizations and attendees for making this cultural exchange a memorable success.