Luxembourg in America premier on 11 February 2025; Credit: Ludo Segers

Following its premier screening on Tuesday 11 February 2025, the 40-minute documentary Luxembourg in America (EN, with FR sub-titles) will be screened ten more times at Ciné Utopia over the coming week.

The premier saw the Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy, Michael Konstantino, provide the introduction, focussing on Luxembourg's and America's links with each other, with the evening's MC and moderator, Paul Schonenberg, AMCHAM Chairman, welcoming the 120+ attendees and introducing the background to the film.

Following the screening, Paul Schonenberg interviewed the director, Geoff Thompson, who explained that he has known abut the Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) for a number of years, having covered their activities for Chronicle.lu, including their annual Luxembourg Fest. He recalled his original intention of making a 20-minute documentary about the 38th annual Luxembourg Fest, but quickly realised once there that he had to put it into context, therefore extending the scope and length of the documentary which addressed many issues such as architectural heritage, genealogy, trade, national identity, religion, cuisine and investment, amongst others.

Then followed a panel discussion on "Trade with America" involving a number of companies currently trading (products) into America, including Bofferding and VinsMoselle and also PM-International. The evening concluded with a network reception with drinks from Bofferding and VinsMoselle, both brands being featured in the documentary film.

LUXEMBOURG IN AMERICA documentary

Synopsis: A glimpse into Luxembourg's heritage in the US following emigration in the 19th century and how their descendants thrive today. Tens of thousands of Luxembourgers left Europe in the late 19th century for the New World, with many of them settling in and around Belgium, Wisconsin, USA. The short documentary film portrays the current Luxembourgish community networks in and around Wisconsin in America - on the one hand, through recording of live action and interviews during the 38th annual Luxembourg Fest; and on the other hand, with historical elements that explains the waves of emigration and the identity they brought with them. Together, the story paints a picture of the close bonds that tie the community together and links them to modern-day Grand Duchy.

The confirmed screenings at Ciné Utopia are as follows:

- Wed 12 Feb @ 20:15
- Thu 13 Feb @ 17:30
- Fri 14 Feb @ 20:15
- Sat 15 Feb @ 14:00, 18:00
- Sun 16 Feb @ 14:00, 20:10
- Mon 17 Feb @ 20:10
- Tue 18 Feb @ 14:00, 20:10

Tickets: €8 / €11 from https://kinepolis.lu/en/movies/detail/35387/HO00007076/0000000027/opening-screening-luxembourg-in-america (select date, then time)

The film will also be screened at Kinoler (38 Rue Principale, Kahler) on Sunday 2 March 2025 at 17:00 - see https://kinoler.lu/en/events/luxembourg-in-america-q-a-with-director and at Ciné Starlight in Dudelange on 28 April.

See https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33996768