"Even though we have some movies on Netflix or other platforms, the audience still wants to see the movies here at the BIFFF, with the atmosphere," he said.

Philippe Bronchart, a regular visitor of BIFFF during its 37 years, saw 12 movies this year.

"The themes are different in the past years but the atmosphere is the same. It's pleasant, funny and amazing," he said.

Elvira Cornillet, who attended the festival right from the first day, said: "It's not only about the movie, but the atmosphere. If you go to a movie in the theater, you have to be quiet, but here everybody is screaming and laughing, taking part in the movie."

China has been well represented at the festival down the years and Chinese films have been screened since the late 1980s.

"This year, we have five films from Hong Kong and one from Taiwan," Lenaerts said.