A new film titled Heysel 85 depicting the tragic events of 29 May 1985 at Brussels' Heysel Stadium during the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus, will be released in cinemas in autumn 2026.
Kinepolis Film Distribution announced the new film on Tuesday, which is being directed by Romanian-Belgian Teodora Ana Mihai. It has just completed filming.
The Heysel disaster resulted in 39 deaths and hundreds of injuries due to violence and crowd chaos instigated by English hooligans.
This tragedy significantly impacted the football world, leading UEFA to implement strict measures, including mandatory seating.
Heysel 85 immerses viewers in the stadium’s stands on that fatal night through the perspective of fictional characters.
File photo dated 29 May 1985 of Liverpool fans causing trouble in the stands of the Heysel Stadium in Brussels. The day ended with a death toll of 39,. Credit: Belga Archives
The film focuses on Marie, the daughter and press attaché of the Brussels mayor, portrayed by Violet Braeckman, and Luca Rossi, an Italian journalist played by Matteo Simoni.
As chaos unfolds, they face a complex dilemma between professional duty, family ties, and the human tragedies around them.
In addition to the main actors, Josse De Pauw, Ben Segers, and Fabrizio Rongione also feature in the cast.
Director Teodora Ana Mihai achieved success with her debut feature film La Civil in 2021, which was well-received internationally and won several awards, including the Courage Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.
