Exit comics, make way for cinema! After eight editions of a festival dedicated to comics at the Château de Malbrouck, the Department of Moselle has decided to make changes this year. President Patrick Weiten presented the major cultural events of the Department of Moselle in 2026 on March 5, and the seventh art will be particularly honored, both at Malbrouck and elsewhere. “We felt that the comic festival was losing steam,” admitted the Department’s president. “For at least two editions after the Olympics, we realized that we were not getting the results we wanted and the audience felt it: attendance was decreasing. Choices had to be made.” The troubles faced by the Angoulême comics festival, a partner of the Department (a conflict between authors, publishers, and the organization of the festival led to its cancellation), further emphasized this decision.
“We chose this theme not as a contrast to comics, but because cinema is a popular art that attracts a wide audience, and also because Moselle has become a filming location in recent years. This dynamic creates a positive image, enhances the reputation of Moselle, and boosts its tourism and economic attractiveness. We want to support and be a part of this movement,” added Armel Chabane, vice president in charge of culture.
As a result, from April 3 to October 31, the exhibition “Méliès, the magic of cinema” will take place at the Château de Malbrouck. It will offer a dive into the world of the French cinema pioneer, thanks to a partnership with the French Cinémathèque. During the cinema festival (June 27 to July 1), a cine-concert on the restored works of Méliès will be offered.
But before that, cinema enthusiasts can also enjoy the 3rd edition of the sports film festival, which will take place from March 24 to April 1. It will be held at the Kinepolis in Amnéville, Marlymages in Marly, Scala in Thionville, and CinéSar in Sarrebourg. The event will be an opportunity to meet numerous sports personalities, such as Marie-José Pérec, Steven Da Costa, Flora Pili, several former players and managers of FC Metz, and to discover or revisit sports film classics like “Invictus,” “Billy Elliott,” “Rush,” “Race,” and “Borg/McEnroe.”
The Maison Robert-Schuman will host the European Film Festival on May 30, June 13, and June 27. It will be an opportunity to discover “strong stories and essential films that explore the identity, history, and contemporary issues of the continent,” as mentioned by the Department. Finally, over three summer Saturdays (July 18, 25, and August 1), the Museum of the 1870 War and Annexation in Gravelottes will offer a dive into history through cinema with the War and Cinema festival: “Each screening will highlight a work inspired by one of the major conflicts that have marked Moselle and Europe.” Moselle cinephiles will be delighted.
