Image is a Dutch-French foreign language film made in Belgium.
The film follows the storyline of Eva, a young journalist who works for a news agency in Brussels.
Image focuses on Eva as she tries to make a name for herself within her agency. She begins organizing a project that would give her considerable traction to pushing her career forward.
Although her actions may seem selfish, soon her project becomes something very real and important for many people her news story spotlights.
Synopsis
With her future at the agency uncertain, Eva takes on a task of creating a documentary on the rough neighbourhoods of the city. She quickly learns just how dangerous things are on a daily basis.
In her efforts she meets Lahbib, a young Moroccan guy with a mysterious past, connections and considerable knowledge on city matters.
Image explores the difference between the two character's worlds and sheds light on how issues can be easily politicized through different lenses of perspective. (Get it, like cameras. They have lenses. Okay I'll stop).
Important Themes
Image brings to light the hardships many immigrants face living in cities like Brussels. There is a belief portrayed by the government and media that these people bring violence and crime and need to be constantly monitored.
Image brings these notions to the forefront of the film and depicts how the Flemish media often skews their reporting on Moroccan and other immigrant communities.
This is largely done through focusing on and pushing stories which speak to stereotyping communities.
Today the issue of immigration (specifically people from Muslim countries) is heavily contested in Europe today. There is a belief held by many that these migrants should adapt to their host country's society.
A study funded by the King Baudouin Foundation (in which 700 Belgian-Moroccans and Belgian-Turks were surveyed) found that the majority of migrants would not be able to live comfortably with security if they do not stray away from their traditional practices.
Which adds to the complexities of the immigrant experience where you're caught between two worlds. Where you are almost expected to change who you are and your practices. All because they are not deemed as "normal" or "frightful" by others.
Conclusion
Altogether Image is a good watch.
It depicts just how different the lives are for Belgian-Moroccans and white European Belgians through the growing relationship between Eva and Lahbib.
The difference between the two characters and their lifestyles is remarkable which makes the film all the more interesting.
