“Emperors of Nothing takes an immersive look at life in a Brussels prison, infamous for its inhumane incarceration conditions. Bearing witness to how the human spirit resists or submits to this harsh world, the film reveals the vulnerabilities and aspirations of humanity as it faces the challenge of resisting its own negation.”
Our creative house sits geographically in a very symbolic place, between the majestic Town Hall of Saint-Gilles and its historic Tudor-style prison. At Les Passagées, we use multiple artistic forms to explore how our external environment influences our inner sensations. Our neighborhood is an essential part of this. That’s why, some of our upcoming projects include research on the impact of prison systems in modern society to create new artistic ways to connect to our invisible neighbors, the prison & its surroundings.
This unique position takes on deeper meaning through the lens of the documentary Emperors of Nothing (La Peine) by Cédric Gerbehaye. The poignant film offers an intimate look inside Saint-Gilles prison, exploring the human stories and daily lives of inmates, guards, and the prison director – raising questions about punishment, rehabilitation, and justice.
Emperors of Nothing (La Peine) is part of Les Journées Nationales de la Prison (14 – 24 November, 2024), an annual event in Belgium dedicated to understanding incarceration and its societal impact through workshops, discussions, screenings, and other activities.