Michaël R. Roskam's 'Le Faux Soir' to close San Sebastián Film Festival

The 74th San Sebastián Film Festival will conclude with the European premiere of Belgian director Michaël R. Roskam's latest film, 'Le Faux Soir,' on September 26. The film previously screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Roskam's new work revisits a remarkable episode from the Belgian resistance during World War II. It centers on a clandestine operation that transformed the press into a weapon against the Nazi occupation. The film is based on the book 'Le "faux" Soir, 9 novembre 1943' by Marie Istas and features a cast including Arieh Worthalter, Mélanie Thierry, and Karim Leklou.

The narrative unfolds in 1943, in occupied Belgium, where the Nazis had commandeered the national newspaper, Le Soir, for propaganda. In a daring act of defiance, members of the Resistance created a counterfeit edition of the newspaper, mocking the occupiers. This event is considered by some historians to be the first media 'hack' in history.

Roskam, who began his career as a journalist, has a notable filmography. He competed for the Golden Shell at San Sebastián in 2014 with 'The Drop,' which earned writer Dennis Lehane the best screenplay award. His debut feature, 'Bullhead,' received an Oscar nomination for best international film. He also directed episodes of the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated miniseries 'Black Bird.'