Anderlecht-Marsassoum partnership under the spotlights
On Monday 16 October, the “Espace 16 Arts” in Anderlecht (Belgium) hosted the preview of the documentary Niekhe Kilintii – Together on the winners of the 2022 PLATFORMAwards Anderlecht-Marsassoum (Senegal), in the presence of the alderman in charge of international solidarity Julien Milquet and the film director Jean Crousillac. This Saturday (28 October), the documentary will also be broadcast on local TV channel BX1.
Around forty guests – including members of the PLATFORMA steering committee – exchanged on the project with the local councillor and the film director after the screening of the 26-minute documentary. They answered questions about the financing of the project, its replicability in other municipalities or how they were received in Marsassoum.
“The friendship between Anderlecht and Marsassoum is first and foremost the story of an encounter,” explained alderman Julien Milquet, who enthusiastically continued the project initiated by his predecessor during the previous term of office. “It’s very enriching to cooperate with a municipality like Marsassoum, which is much smaller than ours: it makes it easier to forge links with the local councillors, who are very close to their citizens, but also with the residents. Just imagine that there, every line of the commune’s budget is discussed with the residents! It’s unimaginable in Europe.”
“In Marsassoum, everyone has heard of Anderlecht, because everyone benefits directly or indirectly from the cooperation programme”, added Anaïs Marie, project officer ‘international relations and partnerships’ for Anderlecht municipality.
“It’s always a pleasure to be able to highlight stories that have a direct impact on local populations”, said Jean Crousillac, executive producer at Faireprod•. “International relations can also be the stage for noble projects and cooperation, based on respect, trust and the desire to move forward together”.
“I hope that this film will give everyone a better understanding of what decentralised cooperation is”, said Boris Tonhauser, Director of PLATFORMA. He invited the representatives of the various associations of local and regional authorities present to take part to the 4th PLATFORMAwards in spring.
The movie
In Niekhe Kilintii – Together, follow Julien Milquet to Marsassoum where he is exchanging with his cooperation partner, the charismatic Senegalese mayor Sény Mandiang. Together, they are meeting with citizens who benefit from the municipal cooperation programme, such as fishermen, breeders, and women.
What’s more?
- Check the pictures of the premiere
- Watch now the movie trailer
- Don’t miss the exclusive broadcast of Niekhe Kilintii – Together on Saturday 28 October on local TV channel BX1
