Belgium has selected Omen, the debut feature from rapper-turned-filmmaker Baloji, as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2024 Oscars.
The pic, which debuted in the Un Certain Regard sidebar at Cannes 2023, follows Koffi, a young Congolese man who — after spending years living in Belgium — returns to his birthplace of Kinshasa to confront the intricacies of his family and culture.
A Belgian-Dutch-Congolese-French-South African co-production, Omen picked up the New Vision Award at Cannes. Starring is Marc Zinga, best known for his work with the Dardenne brothers alongside Lucie Debay, Eliane Umuhire, Yves-Marina Gnahoua, and Marcel Otete Kabeya.
The film is set for a theatrical release in Belgium on November 15. Pan Distribution is the French distributor, while Memento International is handling world sales. Production companies are Special Touch Studios, Wrong Men, New Amsterdam Film Company, Tosala Films, RadicalMedia, Serendipity Films, and Big World Cinema.
Belgium’s Oscar pick...
The pic, which debuted in the Un Certain Regard sidebar at Cannes 2023, follows Koffi, a young Congolese man who — after spending years living in Belgium — returns to his birthplace of Kinshasa to confront the intricacies of his family and culture.
A Belgian-Dutch-Congolese-French-South African co-production, Omen picked up the New Vision Award at Cannes. Starring is Marc Zinga, best known for his work with the Dardenne brothers alongside Lucie Debay, Eliane Umuhire, Yves-Marina Gnahoua, and Marcel Otete Kabeya.
The film is set for a theatrical release in Belgium on November 15. Pan Distribution is the French distributor, while Memento International is handling world sales. Production companies are Special Touch Studios, Wrong Men, New Amsterdam Film Company, Tosala Films, RadicalMedia, Serendipity Films, and Big World Cinema.
Belgium’s Oscar pick...
- 9/14/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages are Davis’ assessment of the current standings of the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any film or performance. Like any organization or body that votes, each individual category is fluid and subject to change. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Last Updated: March. 9, 2023
2023 Oscars Predictions: Best Picture Top Gun: Maverick, (aka Top Gun 2), Tom Cruise
Category Commentary:
After winning DGA, PGA, SAG and WGA, “Everything Everywhere” feels like an undeniable winner. If you are predicting an “upset,” you must give a very strong case through your predictions. While some voters are not in the camp for “Everything Everywhere,” if there is an upset brewing,...
Last Updated: March. 9, 2023
2023 Oscars Predictions: Best Picture Top Gun: Maverick, (aka Top Gun 2), Tom Cruise
Category Commentary:
After winning DGA, PGA, SAG and WGA, “Everything Everywhere” feels like an undeniable winner. If you are predicting an “upset,” you must give a very strong case through your predictions. While some voters are not in the camp for “Everything Everywhere,” if there is an upset brewing,...
- 3/9/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Belgium’s Oscar© 2023 Submission for Best International Feature: ‘Close’ by Lukas DhontTipped for a top spot on the Oscar Nominated Best International Feature, ‘Close’, the second feature directed by the young Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont brings the innocence of youth into a confrontation with uneasy societal agreements about what is and what is not acceptable. Young boys are especially sensitive to their peers’ opinions and these two boys, friends forever, are suddenly put into a situation demanding a sense of oneself that they are still too young to have developed fully. When it premiered in Competition at Cannes, it received a 12-minute standing ovation, and shared the festival’s Grand Prix with Claire Denis’ ‘Stars At Noon’.
The intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys suddenly gets disrupted. Close stars Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele as two thirteen year old boys, Léo and Rémi, whose tender friendship is tragically broken. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother. The delicacy with which the two young actors are handled speaks highly of the director Lucas Dhont.
The fragile bud of sexual awakening is a suject explored as well in his previous film, his 2018 debut, about a young transgender dancer. Girl was also handled with such gentle honesty that the subject to reveals itself to our eyes without destroying its integrity. Girl went on to win the Cannes Camera d’Or in Un Certain Regard in 2018. It also won Cannes’ Fipresci Prize and Un Certain Regard’s Best Actor award for Victor Polster as well as the Queer Palm.
Dhont is quoted as saying, “There are definitely echoes of Girl in Close, recurring themes, especially the violence involved in conforming to a certain norm, not being able to be oneself, being subjected to a certain vision of masculinity, and not being able to assert our fragility…I also wanted to talk about brutality. How it can wipe out such fragile, tender things, both in the world but also inside of us; how we cut flowers, how colours disappear, inside of us.” (Cineuropa.org)
Tangential to this blog, but relevent to the 2023 Oscar contenders, this dancer, in Girl, a female, could easily have been the male ballet dancer we meet in the Norwegian Oscar contender War Sailor. I will write more about that other tipped for the top film, but here I want to point out that both ballet dancers are confronted with the ignorance of others and are handled by their respective directors in a fashion that gives us a feeling of completion and satisfaction.
The screenplays for both were cowritten with Angelo Tijssens. “The film says a lot, but in few words; it’s more about gestures, looks and silences.
I find it’s a really complicated thing, writing dialogue! We try just as hard to convey what the character wants to say as what the viewer needs to understand. As a teen, I was pretty good at mime! I copied others’ movements and behaviours. I get a lot of inspiration from dance and the work of choreographers and dancers, who manage to express their emotions through their bodies and their movements. I decided very quickly that this was the language I wanted to use to launch myself into film: body language. Before wanting to become a director, I wanted to be a dancer. I feel like I’m trying to make some of this dancing dream come true through my cinematic language. Expressing what I want to express, without words.” (Cineuropa.org)
The Match Factory previously handled Girl as well as the film Close. During Cannes this year of Close, The Match Factory sold over 100 territories to Close, including North America to A24; Australia/ Nz to Madman; Baltics-a-One; Benelux-Lumiere; Czech Republic and Slovakia-Artcam; Ex-Yugo-mcf; France-Diaphana, Germany and Austria-Pandora; Greece-Ama; Israel-Lev; Italy-Lucky Red and Bim; Netherlands-Cassestte for theatrical, Vedette for TV; Poland-New Horizons; Romania-Bad Unicorn; Scandinavia-Future; So. Korea-Challan; Spain-Vertigo; Switzerland-Filmcoopi; Taiwan-Filmware; Thailand-Sahamangkolfilm; Turkey, UK, Ireland, Latam, Turkey, India-mubi.
Producers are Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens for Menuet and co-producers are France’s Diaphana who is also the French distributor, the Netherlands’ Topkapi Films and Belgium’s Versus Productions.
The intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys suddenly gets disrupted. Close stars Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele as two thirteen year old boys, Léo and Rémi, whose tender friendship is tragically broken. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother. The delicacy with which the two young actors are handled speaks highly of the director Lucas Dhont.
The fragile bud of sexual awakening is a suject explored as well in his previous film, his 2018 debut, about a young transgender dancer. Girl was also handled with such gentle honesty that the subject to reveals itself to our eyes without destroying its integrity. Girl went on to win the Cannes Camera d’Or in Un Certain Regard in 2018. It also won Cannes’ Fipresci Prize and Un Certain Regard’s Best Actor award for Victor Polster as well as the Queer Palm.
Dhont is quoted as saying, “There are definitely echoes of Girl in Close, recurring themes, especially the violence involved in conforming to a certain norm, not being able to be oneself, being subjected to a certain vision of masculinity, and not being able to assert our fragility…I also wanted to talk about brutality. How it can wipe out such fragile, tender things, both in the world but also inside of us; how we cut flowers, how colours disappear, inside of us.” (Cineuropa.org)
Tangential to this blog, but relevent to the 2023 Oscar contenders, this dancer, in Girl, a female, could easily have been the male ballet dancer we meet in the Norwegian Oscar contender War Sailor. I will write more about that other tipped for the top film, but here I want to point out that both ballet dancers are confronted with the ignorance of others and are handled by their respective directors in a fashion that gives us a feeling of completion and satisfaction.
The screenplays for both were cowritten with Angelo Tijssens. “The film says a lot, but in few words; it’s more about gestures, looks and silences.
I find it’s a really complicated thing, writing dialogue! We try just as hard to convey what the character wants to say as what the viewer needs to understand. As a teen, I was pretty good at mime! I copied others’ movements and behaviours. I get a lot of inspiration from dance and the work of choreographers and dancers, who manage to express their emotions through their bodies and their movements. I decided very quickly that this was the language I wanted to use to launch myself into film: body language. Before wanting to become a director, I wanted to be a dancer. I feel like I’m trying to make some of this dancing dream come true through my cinematic language. Expressing what I want to express, without words.” (Cineuropa.org)
The Match Factory previously handled Girl as well as the film Close. During Cannes this year of Close, The Match Factory sold over 100 territories to Close, including North America to A24; Australia/ Nz to Madman; Baltics-a-One; Benelux-Lumiere; Czech Republic and Slovakia-Artcam; Ex-Yugo-mcf; France-Diaphana, Germany and Austria-Pandora; Greece-Ama; Israel-Lev; Italy-Lucky Red and Bim; Netherlands-Cassestte for theatrical, Vedette for TV; Poland-New Horizons; Romania-Bad Unicorn; Scandinavia-Future; So. Korea-Challan; Spain-Vertigo; Switzerland-Filmcoopi; Taiwan-Filmware; Thailand-Sahamangkolfilm; Turkey, UK, Ireland, Latam, Turkey, India-mubi.
Producers are Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens for Menuet and co-producers are France’s Diaphana who is also the French distributor, the Netherlands’ Topkapi Films and Belgium’s Versus Productions.
- 12/18/2022
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
Ruben Östlund’s latest satire, Triangle of Sadness, dominated the European Film Awards with four wins, including Best Film, the evening’s top prize.
Östlund also picked up the Best Screenplay and Best Director Awards for his work on the film, and Zlatko Burić nabbed Best Actor for his leading role.
The film, which picked up this year’s Palme d’Or, follows Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean), a celebrity model couple who are invited on a luxury cruise for the uber-rich, helmed by an unhinged boat captain (Woody Harrelson). What first appeared Instagrammable ends catastrophically, leaving the survivors stranded on a desert island and fighting to stay alive.
In other top prizes, Vicky Krieps won the Best Actress award for the well-received period drama Corsage, and the Javier Bardem starrer, The Good Boss, won Best Comedy.
The awards ceremony, overseen by the European Film Academy, took place...
Östlund also picked up the Best Screenplay and Best Director Awards for his work on the film, and Zlatko Burić nabbed Best Actor for his leading role.
The film, which picked up this year’s Palme d’Or, follows Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean), a celebrity model couple who are invited on a luxury cruise for the uber-rich, helmed by an unhinged boat captain (Woody Harrelson). What first appeared Instagrammable ends catastrophically, leaving the survivors stranded on a desert island and fighting to stay alive.
In other top prizes, Vicky Krieps won the Best Actress award for the well-received period drama Corsage, and the Javier Bardem starrer, The Good Boss, won Best Comedy.
The awards ceremony, overseen by the European Film Academy, took place...
- 12/10/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Vicky Krieps was also a winner as best European actress for Corsage.
Ruben Ostlund’s class warfare comedy Triangle Of Sadness was the big winner at the 2022 European Film Awards (EFAs), which took place today (December 10) in Reykjavík.
Scroll down for winners
The class warfare comedy won best European film, director, screenwriter and actor, for Zlatko Burić.
Vicky Krieps was also a winner as best European actress for Corsage.
Mantas Kvedaravičius’ Mariupolis 2 won the European documentary prize, whilst Alain Ughetto’s No Dogs Or Italians Allowed picked up the animated feature award.
Fernando León de Aranoa’s The Good Boss,...
Ruben Ostlund’s class warfare comedy Triangle Of Sadness was the big winner at the 2022 European Film Awards (EFAs), which took place today (December 10) in Reykjavík.
Scroll down for winners
The class warfare comedy won best European film, director, screenwriter and actor, for Zlatko Burić.
Vicky Krieps was also a winner as best European actress for Corsage.
Mantas Kvedaravičius’ Mariupolis 2 won the European documentary prize, whilst Alain Ughetto’s No Dogs Or Italians Allowed picked up the animated feature award.
Fernando León de Aranoa’s The Good Boss,...
- 12/10/2022
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
The Efa ceremony is taking place December 10 at the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík.
The 2022 European Film Awards (EFAs) ceremony is taking place today (December 10) at 19.15 GMT in Reykjavík.
Scroll down for winners
Screen will be posting the winners on this page as they are announced during the live ceremony (refresh the page for latest updates). The ceremony kicks off at 19.15 GMT.
Ruben Ostlund’s class warfare comedy Triangle Of Sadness is among the five titles up for the European film award, and is also competing in the director, actor (for Zlatko Burić) and screenwriter (Ostlund) categories.
Lukas Dhont’s...
The 2022 European Film Awards (EFAs) ceremony is taking place today (December 10) at 19.15 GMT in Reykjavík.
Scroll down for winners
Screen will be posting the winners on this page as they are announced during the live ceremony (refresh the page for latest updates). The ceremony kicks off at 19.15 GMT.
Ruben Ostlund’s class warfare comedy Triangle Of Sadness is among the five titles up for the European film award, and is also competing in the director, actor (for Zlatko Burić) and screenwriter (Ostlund) categories.
Lukas Dhont’s...
- 12/10/2022
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
The 35th European Film Awards have officially unveiled this year’s nominations.
Lukas Dhont’s queer coming-of-age drama “Close,” Ali Abbasi’s serial-killer thriller “Holy Spider,” and Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning “Triangle of Sadness” lead the 2022 nominations, with each film garnering nods in top categories: Best European Film, Best Director, and Screenwriter.
Marie Kreutzer’s “Corsage” lands three nominations, including Best Actress for Vicky Krieps. “Alcarràs” has two nominations, while Venice Golden Lion winner “Saint Omer” picked up one nod for Best European Director for Alice Diop.
The European Film Academy hosts the award ceremony on December 10 in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík.
German director Margarethe von Trotta will be honored with the European Lifetime Achievement award, and Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman is set to be celebrated with the European Achievement in World Cinema Award. Italian director Marco Bellocchio will receive the Award for European Innovative Storytelling for the limited series “Exterior Night.
Lukas Dhont’s queer coming-of-age drama “Close,” Ali Abbasi’s serial-killer thriller “Holy Spider,” and Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning “Triangle of Sadness” lead the 2022 nominations, with each film garnering nods in top categories: Best European Film, Best Director, and Screenwriter.
Marie Kreutzer’s “Corsage” lands three nominations, including Best Actress for Vicky Krieps. “Alcarràs” has two nominations, while Venice Golden Lion winner “Saint Omer” picked up one nod for Best European Director for Alice Diop.
The European Film Academy hosts the award ceremony on December 10 in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík.
German director Margarethe von Trotta will be honored with the European Lifetime Achievement award, and Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman is set to be celebrated with the European Achievement in World Cinema Award. Italian director Marco Bellocchio will receive the Award for European Innovative Storytelling for the limited series “Exterior Night.
- 11/8/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Triangle of Sadness,” directed by Ruben Östlund, and “Holy Spider,” directed by Ali Abbasi, lead the European Film Awards nominations in major categories, alongside “Close,” directed by Lukas Dhont.
“Triangle of Sadness,” “Holy Spider,” “Alcarràs,” “Close” and “Corsage” vie for best European film.
Those contesting for best director are Dhont for “Close,” Marie Kreutzer for “Corsage,” Jerzy Skolimowski for “Eo,” Abbasi for “Holy Spider,” Alice Diop for “Saint Omer” and Östlund for “Triangle of Sadness.”
Nominated for European Screenwriter are “Alcarràs” scribes Carla Simón and Arnau Vilaró, Kenneth Branagh for “Belfast,” Dhont and Angelo Tijssens for “Close,” Abbasi and Afshin Kamran Bahrami for “Holy Spider,” and Östlund for “Triangle of Sadness.”
European Actress nominees are Vicky Krieps in “Corsage,” Zar Amir Ebrahimi in “Holy Spider,” Léa Seydoux in “One Fine Morning,” Penélope Cruz for “Parallel Mothers” and Meltem Kaptan in “Rabiye Kurnaz Vs.
“Triangle of Sadness,” “Holy Spider,” “Alcarràs,” “Close” and “Corsage” vie for best European film.
Those contesting for best director are Dhont for “Close,” Marie Kreutzer for “Corsage,” Jerzy Skolimowski for “Eo,” Abbasi for “Holy Spider,” Alice Diop for “Saint Omer” and Östlund for “Triangle of Sadness.”
Nominated for European Screenwriter are “Alcarràs” scribes Carla Simón and Arnau Vilaró, Kenneth Branagh for “Belfast,” Dhont and Angelo Tijssens for “Close,” Abbasi and Afshin Kamran Bahrami for “Holy Spider,” and Östlund for “Triangle of Sadness.”
European Actress nominees are Vicky Krieps in “Corsage,” Zar Amir Ebrahimi in “Holy Spider,” Léa Seydoux in “One Fine Morning,” Penélope Cruz for “Parallel Mothers” and Meltem Kaptan in “Rabiye Kurnaz Vs.
- 11/8/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Lukas Dhont’s Belgian coming-of-age drama Close, Ali Abbasi’s Persian-language crime thriller Holy Spider and Swedish director Ruben Östlund’s satirical black comedy Triangle of Sadness, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, are topping the nominations for the 2022 European Film Awards (EFAs), unveiled Tuesday.
Each of the acclaimed titles, which also happen to be Oscar contenders for the 2023 Academy Awards in the best international feature category, received Efa nominations for best European film, best director, best screenwriter and an acting category apiece.
Also in the running for the Efa for best European film are Alcarràs from Spain’s Carla Simón and Austrian director Marie Kreutzer’s period drama Corsage.
The European honors are often viewed as a bellwether for the Oscars. Although last year’s Efa’s weren’t a particularly strong Oscars predictor, Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World...
Lukas Dhont’s Belgian coming-of-age drama Close, Ali Abbasi’s Persian-language crime thriller Holy Spider and Swedish director Ruben Östlund’s satirical black comedy Triangle of Sadness, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, are topping the nominations for the 2022 European Film Awards (EFAs), unveiled Tuesday.
Each of the acclaimed titles, which also happen to be Oscar contenders for the 2023 Academy Awards in the best international feature category, received Efa nominations for best European film, best director, best screenwriter and an acting category apiece.
Also in the running for the Efa for best European film are Alcarràs from Spain’s Carla Simón and Austrian director Marie Kreutzer’s period drama Corsage.
The European honors are often viewed as a bellwether for the Oscars. Although last year’s Efa’s weren’t a particularly strong Oscars predictor, Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World...
- 11/8/2022
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont’s Close, Danish director Ali Abbasi’s Holy Spider and Swedish director Ruben Ôstlund’s Triangle Of Sadness lead the nominations for the 35th European Film Awards, which were unveiled today.
The films have each made it into four categories including best European Film, Best Director and Screenwriter.
All three films debuted at Cannes this year, where Triangle Of Sadness clinched the Palme d’Or; Close, the Grand Prize (in ex-aequo with Claire Denis’s Stars At Noon); and Holy Spider, best actress for Zar Amir-Ebrahimi.
Close and Holy Spider are also the entries for their respective countries of Belgium and Denmark in the Academy Awards Best International Film category this year.
Further hot contenders include Austrian director Marie Kreutzer’s Corsage, with three nominations, including best actress for Vicky Krieps, and Berlinale Berlinale Golden Lion Alcarràs with two nominations. Venice 2022 Grand Jury and best first...
The films have each made it into four categories including best European Film, Best Director and Screenwriter.
All three films debuted at Cannes this year, where Triangle Of Sadness clinched the Palme d’Or; Close, the Grand Prize (in ex-aequo with Claire Denis’s Stars At Noon); and Holy Spider, best actress for Zar Amir-Ebrahimi.
Close and Holy Spider are also the entries for their respective countries of Belgium and Denmark in the Academy Awards Best International Film category this year.
Further hot contenders include Austrian director Marie Kreutzer’s Corsage, with three nominations, including best actress for Vicky Krieps, and Berlinale Berlinale Golden Lion Alcarràs with two nominations. Venice 2022 Grand Jury and best first...
- 11/8/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
’Alcarràs,’ ’Close,’ ’Corsage,’ ‘Holy Spider’ and ‘Triangle of Sadness’ shortlisted for European Film prize.
The European Film Academy has announced the nominees for the main categories of the European Film Awards, which takes place on December 10 in Reykjavík and will celebrate the best of European Film culture.
The five shortlisted films for the European Film award all have festival pedigree.
Swedish director Ruben Ostlund’s class warfare comedy Triangle of Sadness, winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, is shortlisted, and is also nominated in three other categories: European director, European actor (for Zlatko Burić) and European...
The European Film Academy has announced the nominees for the main categories of the European Film Awards, which takes place on December 10 in Reykjavík and will celebrate the best of European Film culture.
The five shortlisted films for the European Film award all have festival pedigree.
Swedish director Ruben Ostlund’s class warfare comedy Triangle of Sadness, winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, is shortlisted, and is also nominated in three other categories: European director, European actor (for Zlatko Burić) and European...
- 11/8/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
The British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) have revealed the nomination longlists for Best Feature Documentary and Best International Independent Film categories. In addition, BIFA’s Raindance Discovery Award longlist has also been unveiled.
Of the 15 films longlisted for Best Feature Documentary, eight are directed by women. The 17 films longlisted for Best International Independent Film have already won top prizes from this year’s premier international festivals.
The final five nominations in each category will be announced in early November and winners will be revealed at the 25th annual BIFA ceremony on Dec. 4.
Best International Independent Film Sponsored By Champagne Taittinger
“Alcarràs” – Carla Simón, María Zamora, Stefan Schmitz, Tono Folguera, Sergi Moreno
“All The Beauty And The Bloodshed” – Laura Poitras, Howard Gertler, Nan Goldin, Yoni Golijov, John S. Lyons
“Argentina, 1985” – Santiago Mitre, Mariano Llinás, Axel Kuschevatzky, Federico Posternak, Agustina Llambi Campbell, Ricardo Darín, Santiago Carabante, Chino Darín, Victoria Alonso
“Broker” – Kore-eda Hirokazu,...
Of the 15 films longlisted for Best Feature Documentary, eight are directed by women. The 17 films longlisted for Best International Independent Film have already won top prizes from this year’s premier international festivals.
The final five nominations in each category will be announced in early November and winners will be revealed at the 25th annual BIFA ceremony on Dec. 4.
Best International Independent Film Sponsored By Champagne Taittinger
“Alcarràs” – Carla Simón, María Zamora, Stefan Schmitz, Tono Folguera, Sergi Moreno
“All The Beauty And The Bloodshed” – Laura Poitras, Howard Gertler, Nan Goldin, Yoni Golijov, John S. Lyons
“Argentina, 1985” – Santiago Mitre, Mariano Llinás, Axel Kuschevatzky, Federico Posternak, Agustina Llambi Campbell, Ricardo Darín, Santiago Carabante, Chino Darín, Victoria Alonso
“Broker” – Kore-eda Hirokazu,...
- 10/21/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with trailer: Belgium has selected Lukas Dhont’s Cannes-winning title Close as its official submission to the International Oscar race this year. It debuted in competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival where it won the Grand Prix in a tie with Claire Denis’s Stars at Noon.
Close follows the intense friendship between 13-year-old boys Léo and Remi, which suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother. The film is billed as an exploration of friendship and responsibility. The leading roles in Close are played by newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele. Léa Drucker and Kevin Janssens, Marc Weiss, Igor Van Dessel, and Léon Bataille also star.
Dhont directed from a screenplay he wrote with Angelo Tijssens. Check out the trailer above.
Close was produced by Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens for Menuet and co-produced by Diaphana, Topkapi Films and Versus Productions.
Close follows the intense friendship between 13-year-old boys Léo and Remi, which suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother. The film is billed as an exploration of friendship and responsibility. The leading roles in Close are played by newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele. Léa Drucker and Kevin Janssens, Marc Weiss, Igor Van Dessel, and Léon Bataille also star.
Dhont directed from a screenplay he wrote with Angelo Tijssens. Check out the trailer above.
Close was produced by Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens for Menuet and co-produced by Diaphana, Topkapi Films and Versus Productions.
- 9/16/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Film won the Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Lukas Dhont’s Cannes Grand Prix winner Close has been selected as Belgium’s entry for the international feature film category at the 95th Academy Awards.
Close stars Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele as two boys whose tender friendship is tragically broken. After its Cannes premiere in Competition, it shared the festival’s Grand Prix with Claire Denis’ Stars At Noon.
Considered an early frontrunner to make the Oscar shortlist, Close was also selected as one of Screen critics’ top films from Cannes 2022.
Sales agent The Match Factory...
Lukas Dhont’s Cannes Grand Prix winner Close has been selected as Belgium’s entry for the international feature film category at the 95th Academy Awards.
Close stars Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele as two boys whose tender friendship is tragically broken. After its Cannes premiere in Competition, it shared the festival’s Grand Prix with Claire Denis’ Stars At Noon.
Considered an early frontrunner to make the Oscar shortlist, Close was also selected as one of Screen critics’ top films from Cannes 2022.
Sales agent The Match Factory...
- 9/16/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Close Trailer — Lukas Dhont‘s Close (2022) movie trailer has been released by A24. The Close trailer stars Eden Dambrine, Gustav De Waele, Émilie Dequenne, and Léa Drucker. Crew Lukas Dhont and Angelo Tijssens wrote the screenplay for Close. “Produced by Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens.” Post Close Movie Poster Plot Synopsis Close‘s plot synopsis: “The intense friendship between [...]
Continue reading: Close (2022) Movie Trailer: An Intense Friendship is Disrupted in Lukas Dhont’s Drama Film...
Continue reading: Close (2022) Movie Trailer: An Intense Friendship is Disrupted in Lukas Dhont’s Drama Film...
- 9/8/2022
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Grand Prix winner scores sales around the world.
The Match Factory has closed deals in around 100 territories for Belgian director Lukas Dhont’s drama Close, which won a grand prix at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday (May 28).
In Europe, the feature has sold to Germany and Austria (Pandora), Baltics (A-One), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Artcam), Ex-Yugoslavia (McF), Greece (Ama Films), Poland (New Horizons), Romania (Bad Unicorn), Scandinavia (Future Films) and Switzerland (Filmcoopi).
In Asia and the rest of the world, it has sold to South Korea (Challan), Taiwan (Filmware), Thailand (Sahamongkolfilm), and Australia and New Zealand (Madman).
Previously announced...
The Match Factory has closed deals in around 100 territories for Belgian director Lukas Dhont’s drama Close, which won a grand prix at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday (May 28).
In Europe, the feature has sold to Germany and Austria (Pandora), Baltics (A-One), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Artcam), Ex-Yugoslavia (McF), Greece (Ama Films), Poland (New Horizons), Romania (Bad Unicorn), Scandinavia (Future Films) and Switzerland (Filmcoopi).
In Asia and the rest of the world, it has sold to South Korea (Challan), Taiwan (Filmware), Thailand (Sahamongkolfilm), and Australia and New Zealand (Madman).
Previously announced...
- 5/30/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Lukas Dhont’s film screens in competiton at the Cannes festival.
A24 has acquired North American rights to Lukas Dhont’s Close, which gets its world premiere today (May 26) in competition at the Cannes festival.
Directed by Dhont from a screenplay he wrote with Angelo Tijssens, the drama about a friendship between two 13-year-old boys stars newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele. Also in the cast are Émilie Dequenne, Léa Drucker, Kevin Janssens, Marc Weiss, Igor Van Dessel, and Léon Bataille.
Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens produced the film for Menuet and Diaphana, and Topkapi Films and Versus Productions were co-producers.
A24 has acquired North American rights to Lukas Dhont’s Close, which gets its world premiere today (May 26) in competition at the Cannes festival.
Directed by Dhont from a screenplay he wrote with Angelo Tijssens, the drama about a friendship between two 13-year-old boys stars newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele. Also in the cast are Émilie Dequenne, Léa Drucker, Kevin Janssens, Marc Weiss, Igor Van Dessel, and Léon Bataille.
Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens produced the film for Menuet and Diaphana, and Topkapi Films and Versus Productions were co-producers.
- 5/26/2022
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
A24 has picked up North American rights to Lukas Dhont’s Close.
The movie is making its world premiere tonight in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
Close follows the intense friendship between 13-year-old boys Léo and Remi, which suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie (Émilie Dequenne), Rémi’s mother. Léa Drucker and Kevin Janssens, Marc Weiss, Igor Van Dessel, and Léon Bataille also star.
Dhont directed from a screenplay he wrote with Angelo Tijssens. Close was produced by Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens for Menuet and co-produced by Diaphana, Topkapi Films and Versus Productions.
Lukas Dhont’s Cannes Competition Drama ‘Close’ Sells To Mubi For UK/Ire, LatAm, Turkey & India
Dhont’s debut film Girl won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018. The film also won the festival’s Queer Palm, Fipresci Prize and Un Certain...
The movie is making its world premiere tonight in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
Close follows the intense friendship between 13-year-old boys Léo and Remi, which suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie (Émilie Dequenne), Rémi’s mother. Léa Drucker and Kevin Janssens, Marc Weiss, Igor Van Dessel, and Léon Bataille also star.
Dhont directed from a screenplay he wrote with Angelo Tijssens. Close was produced by Michiel Dhont and Dirk Impens for Menuet and co-produced by Diaphana, Topkapi Films and Versus Productions.
Lukas Dhont’s Cannes Competition Drama ‘Close’ Sells To Mubi For UK/Ire, LatAm, Turkey & India
Dhont’s debut film Girl won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018. The film also won the festival’s Queer Palm, Fipresci Prize and Un Certain...
- 5/26/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Global streamer and distributor Mubi has struck again, this time snapping up select markets for Lukas Dhont’s keenly anticipated “Close.”
Mubi has acquired the U.K., Ireland, Latin America, Turkey and India for the Cannes competition title, which will have its world premiere on Thursday at the festival.
The film stars Lea Drucker, Émilie Dequenne, Kevin Janssens and newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele. “Close” will be released theatrically followed by an exclusive Mubi streaming release.
“Girl,” Dhont’s debut feature film, won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018. The film also won the festivals’ Queer Palm, Fipresci Prize and Un Certain Regard best performance award for Victor Polster. “Girl” also received a Golden Globe nomination for best foreign language film and won prizes at San Sebastian, Zurich and best first feature film at the BFI London Film Festival.
The film is produced by Dirk Impens and...
Mubi has acquired the U.K., Ireland, Latin America, Turkey and India for the Cannes competition title, which will have its world premiere on Thursday at the festival.
The film stars Lea Drucker, Émilie Dequenne, Kevin Janssens and newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele. “Close” will be released theatrically followed by an exclusive Mubi streaming release.
“Girl,” Dhont’s debut feature film, won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018. The film also won the festivals’ Queer Palm, Fipresci Prize and Un Certain Regard best performance award for Victor Polster. “Girl” also received a Golden Globe nomination for best foreign language film and won prizes at San Sebastian, Zurich and best first feature film at the BFI London Film Festival.
The film is produced by Dirk Impens and...
- 5/26/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Mubi has acquired Lukas Dhont’s Cannes Competion entry Close for the UK, Ireland, Latin America, Turkey and India.
Starring Lea Drucker (Custody), Émilie Dequenne (Our Children), Kevin Janssens (Revenge) and newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele, the film will get its world premiere on the Riviera this week.
In Close, the intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys Leo and Remi suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother.
The film will be released theatrically followed by an exclusive Mubi streaming release. The Match Factory is handling international sales and negotiated the deal with Mubi, its parent company.
Pic is produced by Dirk Impens and Michiel Dhont for Menuet (Be) and co-produced by Diaphana (Fr), Topkapi Films (Nl) and Versus Productions (Be).
Dhont said: “I am incredibly honored to share this film and start this collaboration with Mubi.”
Girl, Dhont’s debut feature film,...
Starring Lea Drucker (Custody), Émilie Dequenne (Our Children), Kevin Janssens (Revenge) and newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele, the film will get its world premiere on the Riviera this week.
In Close, the intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys Leo and Remi suddenly gets disrupted. Struggling to understand what has happened, Léo approaches Sophie, Rémi’s mother.
The film will be released theatrically followed by an exclusive Mubi streaming release. The Match Factory is handling international sales and negotiated the deal with Mubi, its parent company.
Pic is produced by Dirk Impens and Michiel Dhont for Menuet (Be) and co-produced by Diaphana (Fr), Topkapi Films (Nl) and Versus Productions (Be).
Dhont said: “I am incredibly honored to share this film and start this collaboration with Mubi.”
Girl, Dhont’s debut feature film,...
- 5/26/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: On the eve of the Cannes Film Festival, Competition title Close has sold to Lucky Red for Italy, Vertigo Films for Spain and Lev Cinemas for Israel.
The Match Factory is handling sales on Lukas Dhont’s second feature, about how an intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys is unexpectedly disrupted.
Pic is produced by Dirk Impens and Michiel Dhont for Menuet (Be) and co-produced by Diaphana (Fr), Topkapi Films (Nl) and Versus Productions (Be). Diaphana will release in France.
Cast includes newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele as well as established European actors Lea Drucker, Emilie Duquenne and Kevin Janssens.
Dhont’s debut Girl, the transgender dancer drama, won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018. The film also won the festivals’ Queer Palm, Fipresci Prize and Un Certain Regard Best Actor award for Victor Polster before securing a Golden Globe nomination and prizes at San Sebastian and Zurich.
The Match Factory is handling sales on Lukas Dhont’s second feature, about how an intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys is unexpectedly disrupted.
Pic is produced by Dirk Impens and Michiel Dhont for Menuet (Be) and co-produced by Diaphana (Fr), Topkapi Films (Nl) and Versus Productions (Be). Diaphana will release in France.
Cast includes newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele as well as established European actors Lea Drucker, Emilie Duquenne and Kevin Janssens.
Dhont’s debut Girl, the transgender dancer drama, won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018. The film also won the festivals’ Queer Palm, Fipresci Prize and Un Certain Regard Best Actor award for Victor Polster before securing a Golden Globe nomination and prizes at San Sebastian and Zurich.
- 5/16/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Upcoming features from Margarethe Von Trotta and Fernando Trueba also receive support.
Co-productions from Belgian director Lukas Dhont, Canada’s Brandon Cronenberg and UK filmmaker Fyzal Boulifa are among 49 selected for support in the latest Eurimages funding round.
Dhont, whose transgender dancer drama Girl won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018, received €300,000 toward his anticipated second feature, Close.
The Belgium-France-Netherlands co-production centres on two 13-year-old boys who have always been incredibly close but drift apart after their relationship is questioned by schoolmates. When tragedy strikes, one is forced to confront why he distanced himself from his closest friend.
German...
Co-productions from Belgian director Lukas Dhont, Canada’s Brandon Cronenberg and UK filmmaker Fyzal Boulifa are among 49 selected for support in the latest Eurimages funding round.
Dhont, whose transgender dancer drama Girl won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018, received €300,000 toward his anticipated second feature, Close.
The Belgium-France-Netherlands co-production centres on two 13-year-old boys who have always been incredibly close but drift apart after their relationship is questioned by schoolmates. When tragedy strikes, one is forced to confront why he distanced himself from his closest friend.
German...
- 6/29/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Upcoming features from Margarethe Von Trotta and Fernando Trueba also receive support.
Co-productions from Belgian director Lukas Dhont, Canada’s Brandon Cronenberg and UK filmmaker Fyzal Boulifa are among 49 selected for support in the latest Eurimages funding round.
Dhont, whose transgender dancer drama Girl won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018, received €300,000 toward his anticipated second feature, Close.
The Belgium-France-Netherlands co-production centres on two 13-year-old boys who have always been incredibly close but drift apart after their relationship is questioned by schoolmates. When tragedy strikes, one is forced to confront why he distanced himself from his closest friend.
German...
Co-productions from Belgian director Lukas Dhont, Canada’s Brandon Cronenberg and UK filmmaker Fyzal Boulifa are among 49 selected for support in the latest Eurimages funding round.
Dhont, whose transgender dancer drama Girl won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2018, received €300,000 toward his anticipated second feature, Close.
The Belgium-France-Netherlands co-production centres on two 13-year-old boys who have always been incredibly close but drift apart after their relationship is questioned by schoolmates. When tragedy strikes, one is forced to confront why he distanced himself from his closest friend.
German...
- 6/29/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Teenage drama marks the follow-up to Cannes award-winner ‘Girl’.
Leading German sales company The Match Factory has acquired international rights to Close, the anticipated second feature from Cannes award-winner Lukas Dhont.
The Match Factory previously handled the Belgian filmmaker’s acclaimed debut, transgender dancer drama Girl, which won the Camera d’Or following its premiere in Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2018.
Girl also won Cannes’ Queer Palm, Fipresci prize and Un Certain Regard best actor award for Victor Polster before securing a Golden Globe nomination and further festival prizes at San Sebastian and Zurich.
For his second feature, Dhont...
Leading German sales company The Match Factory has acquired international rights to Close, the anticipated second feature from Cannes award-winner Lukas Dhont.
The Match Factory previously handled the Belgian filmmaker’s acclaimed debut, transgender dancer drama Girl, which won the Camera d’Or following its premiere in Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2018.
Girl also won Cannes’ Queer Palm, Fipresci prize and Un Certain Regard best actor award for Victor Polster before securing a Golden Globe nomination and further festival prizes at San Sebastian and Zurich.
For his second feature, Dhont...
- 10/20/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
By March 1, the Oscars will be over, and we can finally stop pulling our hair over the fact that Rami Malek’s dentures beat out Ethan Hawke’s bottle of drain cleaner. When that day comes, Netflix will be able to offer an eclectic mix of reliably quality fare to cleanse our palates of what will surely go down in history as one of the oddest Oscar seasons ever. The streaming giant could also very well have earned its first Best Picture statue by then, but its users won’t be able to hear the champagne bottles popping over the hum of their preferred watching device.
Damien Chazelle’s finely crafted Neil Armstrong biopic “First Man” may have been snubbed in almost every major category, but audiences looking to revisit the original space tearjerker can countdown with “Apollo 13,” which hits Netflix at the beginning of the month. ’90s babies...
Damien Chazelle’s finely crafted Neil Armstrong biopic “First Man” may have been snubbed in almost every major category, but audiences looking to revisit the original space tearjerker can countdown with “Apollo 13,” which hits Netflix at the beginning of the month. ’90s babies...
- 2/21/2019
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
CAA has signed Belgian writer and director Lukas Dhont, who helmed the acclaimed pic “Girl.” This marks the first time Dhont has been represented by a U.S. agency.
Dhont’s debut feature, “Girl,” is a Golden Globe nominee for foreign-language film, but drew controversy when it was not included on the shortlist of best foreign-language contenders for the Oscars. The film premiered in Un Certain Regard at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and won the Camera d’Or for best first feature film and the Queer Palm, awarded for best Lgbt-themed film.
His previous credits include “L’Infini,” which won best Belgian short film at the Ghent International Film Festival in 2014.
It was recently announced that Dhont is next set to reteam with “Girl” co-writer Angelo Tijssens and producer Dirk Impens on an untitled project. He continues to be managed by Eryn Brown at Management 360.
Dhont’s debut feature, “Girl,” is a Golden Globe nominee for foreign-language film, but drew controversy when it was not included on the shortlist of best foreign-language contenders for the Oscars. The film premiered in Un Certain Regard at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and won the Camera d’Or for best first feature film and the Queer Palm, awarded for best Lgbt-themed film.
His previous credits include “L’Infini,” which won best Belgian short film at the Ghent International Film Festival in 2014.
It was recently announced that Dhont is next set to reteam with “Girl” co-writer Angelo Tijssens and producer Dirk Impens on an untitled project. He continues to be managed by Eryn Brown at Management 360.
- 12/21/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Director Lukas Dhont is to reteam with his Girl co-writer Angelo Tijssens and producer Dirk Impens (The Broken Circle Breakdown) on his next movie, which will be “different but also in the style of Girl.”
“We’re slowly starting to shape and write it,” the director told us about the as-yet untitled project. “It’s going to be different but also in the style of Girl. At the centre of it is a queer character. We’re working on the script and will present it to other parties when it’s ready. It will be a European production, probably in the same languages as Girl.”
Dhont’s Golden Globe-nominated debut feature, about a 15-year-old girl, born in the body of a boy, who dreams of becoming a ballerina, is largely told in Flemish and French.
Impens is the regular collaborator of director Felix van Groeningen whose 2012 drama The Broken Circle Breakdown was Oscar-nominated.
“We’re slowly starting to shape and write it,” the director told us about the as-yet untitled project. “It’s going to be different but also in the style of Girl. At the centre of it is a queer character. We’re working on the script and will present it to other parties when it’s ready. It will be a European production, probably in the same languages as Girl.”
Dhont’s Golden Globe-nominated debut feature, about a 15-year-old girl, born in the body of a boy, who dreams of becoming a ballerina, is largely told in Flemish and French.
Impens is the regular collaborator of director Felix van Groeningen whose 2012 drama The Broken Circle Breakdown was Oscar-nominated.
- 12/19/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Cannes’s Golden Camera winner “Girl,” a drama about a transgender teen who dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer, will represent Belgium in the foreign-language Oscar race.
“Girl,” which marks Lukas Dhont’s debut feature, was selected by Belgium’s Oscar committee. The film world premiered in Un Certain Regard at Cannes and earned unanimous praise from critics on top of four awards, including the Golden Camera for best first film.
Represented in international markets by The Match Factory, “Girl” was acquired by Netflix for North American rights, while Curzon Artificial Eye picked it up for the U.K. and Ireland.
“Girl” will have its North American Premiere at Toronto and will also be playing at San Sebastián and Karlovy Vary.
The coming of age drama has been nominated for the Lux Film Prize of the European Parliament and is shortlisted for the European Film Awards.
“Girl” was produced by Dirk Impens for Menuet,...
“Girl,” which marks Lukas Dhont’s debut feature, was selected by Belgium’s Oscar committee. The film world premiered in Un Certain Regard at Cannes and earned unanimous praise from critics on top of four awards, including the Golden Camera for best first film.
Represented in international markets by The Match Factory, “Girl” was acquired by Netflix for North American rights, while Curzon Artificial Eye picked it up for the U.K. and Ireland.
“Girl” will have its North American Premiere at Toronto and will also be playing at San Sebastián and Karlovy Vary.
The coming of age drama has been nominated for the Lux Film Prize of the European Parliament and is shortlisted for the European Film Awards.
“Girl” was produced by Dirk Impens for Menuet,...
- 8/27/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has bought North American and Latin American rights to a pair of awards winners at the Cannes Film Festival — “Happy as Lazzaro” and “Girl.”
The streaming service made the announcement Saturday, the closing day of the 71st edition of the world’s most glamorous film festival. The festival created a stir in April, by announcing that Netflix movies wouldn’t be eligible for in-competition slots — which prompted Netflix to pull all of its titles for consideration, including out-of-competition screenings.
Variety reported on May 7, the day before the festival opened, that Netflix executives had expressed interest in acquiring Asghar Farhadi’s “Everybody Knows,” the opening night film. On May 11, Netflix closed a deal for the animated robot movie “Next Gen” at Cannes. The deals for “Happy as Lazzaro” and “Girl” were handled by The Match Factory.
“Happy as Lazzaro” premiered in competition and was awarded best screenplay for Alice Rohrwacher...
The streaming service made the announcement Saturday, the closing day of the 71st edition of the world’s most glamorous film festival. The festival created a stir in April, by announcing that Netflix movies wouldn’t be eligible for in-competition slots — which prompted Netflix to pull all of its titles for consideration, including out-of-competition screenings.
Variety reported on May 7, the day before the festival opened, that Netflix executives had expressed interest in acquiring Asghar Farhadi’s “Everybody Knows,” the opening night film. On May 11, Netflix closed a deal for the animated robot movie “Next Gen” at Cannes. The deals for “Happy as Lazzaro” and “Girl” were handled by The Match Factory.
“Happy as Lazzaro” premiered in competition and was awarded best screenplay for Alice Rohrwacher...
- 5/19/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has acquired Cannes Film Festival award winners “Happy as Lazzaro” and “Girl.”
Just ahead of Cannes, the streaming service had closed a $30 million worldwide deal for the animated film “Next Gen.”
Below are the official descriptions and all of the relevant details for Netflix’s newest acquisitions and the latest Cannes sales.
Also Read: 'Shoplifters' Wins Palme d'Or at 2018 Cannes Film Festival
“Happy as Lazzaro” (pictured above)
Alice Rohrwacher was awarded Best Screenplay for “Happy as Lazzaro” (in a tie with Nader Saeivar for ‘3 Faces”)
Synopsis: This is the tale of a meeting between Lazzaro, a young peasant so good that he is often mistaken for simple-minded, and Tancredi, a young nobleman cursed by his imagination. Life in their isolated pastoral village Inviolata is dominated by the terrible Marchesa Alfonsina de Luna, the queen of cigarettes. A loyal bond is sealed when Tancredi asks Lazzaro to help him orchestrate his own kidnapping.
Just ahead of Cannes, the streaming service had closed a $30 million worldwide deal for the animated film “Next Gen.”
Below are the official descriptions and all of the relevant details for Netflix’s newest acquisitions and the latest Cannes sales.
Also Read: 'Shoplifters' Wins Palme d'Or at 2018 Cannes Film Festival
“Happy as Lazzaro” (pictured above)
Alice Rohrwacher was awarded Best Screenplay for “Happy as Lazzaro” (in a tie with Nader Saeivar for ‘3 Faces”)
Synopsis: This is the tale of a meeting between Lazzaro, a young peasant so good that he is often mistaken for simple-minded, and Tancredi, a young nobleman cursed by his imagination. Life in their isolated pastoral village Inviolata is dominated by the terrible Marchesa Alfonsina de Luna, the queen of cigarettes. A loyal bond is sealed when Tancredi asks Lazzaro to help him orchestrate his own kidnapping.
- 5/19/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Netflix has acquired the rights to Cannes Film Festival award-winners Happy As Lazzaro and Girl for North America and Latin America.
Happy as Lazzaro premiered in competition and was awarded Best Screenplay for Alice Rohrwacher. The Camera d’Or for best first film was awarded to Lukas Dhont for Girl, which premiered in Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival and was awarded Best Actor for Victor Polster,
Happy as Lazzaro is the tale of a meeting between Lazzaro, a young peasant so good that he is often mistaken for simple-minded, and Tancredi, a young nobleman cursed by his imagination. Life in their isolated pastoral village Inviolata is dominated by the terrible Marchesa Alfonsina de Luna, the queen of cigarettes. A loyal bond is sealed when Tancredi asks Lazzaro to help him orchestrate his own kidnapping. This strange and improbable alliance is a revelation for Lazzaro. A friendship so...
Happy as Lazzaro premiered in competition and was awarded Best Screenplay for Alice Rohrwacher. The Camera d’Or for best first film was awarded to Lukas Dhont for Girl, which premiered in Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival and was awarded Best Actor for Victor Polster,
Happy as Lazzaro is the tale of a meeting between Lazzaro, a young peasant so good that he is often mistaken for simple-minded, and Tancredi, a young nobleman cursed by his imagination. Life in their isolated pastoral village Inviolata is dominated by the terrible Marchesa Alfonsina de Luna, the queen of cigarettes. A loyal bond is sealed when Tancredi asks Lazzaro to help him orchestrate his own kidnapping. This strange and improbable alliance is a revelation for Lazzaro. A friendship so...
- 5/19/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Company also scores early French deal with Diaphana.
Germany-based sales agent The Match Factory has added Lukas Dhont’s upcoming directing debut Girl to its European Film Market (Efm) slate.
The company has also closed its first sale on the title with French distribution outfit Diaphana.
Girl was a work in progress winner at last year’s Les Arcs European Film Festival as well as the CONNeXT event at Film Fest Gent. It is expected to be completed by summer 2018.
Director Dhont’s shorts L’Infini and Corps Perdu won prizes at Film Fest Gent in 2014 and 2012 respectively. His feature debut tells the story of a 15-year-old girl, born in a boy’s body, who dreams of becoming a ballerina and will push her body to its limits in order for her dream to succeed.
Newcomer Victor Polster stars in the lead role and Arieh Worthalter (The Take) plays her father.
Dirk Impens is producing...
Germany-based sales agent The Match Factory has added Lukas Dhont’s upcoming directing debut Girl to its European Film Market (Efm) slate.
The company has also closed its first sale on the title with French distribution outfit Diaphana.
Girl was a work in progress winner at last year’s Les Arcs European Film Festival as well as the CONNeXT event at Film Fest Gent. It is expected to be completed by summer 2018.
Director Dhont’s shorts L’Infini and Corps Perdu won prizes at Film Fest Gent in 2014 and 2012 respectively. His feature debut tells the story of a 15-year-old girl, born in a boy’s body, who dreams of becoming a ballerina and will push her body to its limits in order for her dream to succeed.
Newcomer Victor Polster stars in the lead role and Arieh Worthalter (The Take) plays her father.
Dirk Impens is producing...
- 2/15/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Projects from Belgium and Italy triumph.
The ninth edition of the Les Arcs Industry Village, held as part of the Les Arcs European Film Festival in the French Alps (Dec 16-23), has unveiled its two works in progress winners.
Source: Les Arcs European Film Festival
A jury consisting of Charles Tesson, artistic director of Cannes Critics’ Week, Elad Samorzik, artistic director of the Jerusalem Film Festival, and Tamara Tatishvili, producer of Georgian thriller Hostages, selected the winners from 15 projects.
Of those projects, eight were eligible for the TitraFilm Award, which comes with €10,000 of post-production services for image and/or sound. The award was granted to Girl from director Lukas Dhont (Belgium) producer Dirk Impens of Menuet (Belgium), with Frakas Productions (Belgium) and Topkapi Films (Netherlands).
The film, a Belgium-Netherlands co-production, follows a 15-year-old transgender girl who is born in a boy’s body. While undergoing her gender realignment procedure, she...
The ninth edition of the Les Arcs Industry Village, held as part of the Les Arcs European Film Festival in the French Alps (Dec 16-23), has unveiled its two works in progress winners.
Source: Les Arcs European Film Festival
A jury consisting of Charles Tesson, artistic director of Cannes Critics’ Week, Elad Samorzik, artistic director of the Jerusalem Film Festival, and Tamara Tatishvili, producer of Georgian thriller Hostages, selected the winners from 15 projects.
Of those projects, eight were eligible for the TitraFilm Award, which comes with €10,000 of post-production services for image and/or sound. The award was granted to Girl from director Lukas Dhont (Belgium) producer Dirk Impens of Menuet (Belgium), with Frakas Productions (Belgium) and Topkapi Films (Netherlands).
The film, a Belgium-Netherlands co-production, follows a 15-year-old transgender girl who is born in a boy’s body. While undergoing her gender realignment procedure, she...
- 12/19/2017
- by Tom Grater
- Screen Daily Test
Projects from Belgium and Italy triumph.
The ninth edition of the Les Arcs Industry Village, held as part of the Les Arcs European Film Festival in the French Alps (Dec 16-23), has unveiled its two works in progress winners.
Source: Les Arcs European Film Festival
A jury consisting of Charles Tesson, artistic director of Cannes Critics’ Week, Elad Samorzik, artistic director of the Jerusalem Film Festival, and Tamara Tatishvili, producer of Georgian thriller Hostages, selected the winners from 15 projects.
Of those projects, eight were eligible for the TitraFilm Award, which comes with €10,000 of post-production services for image and/or sound. The award was granted to Girl from director Lukas Dhont (Belgium) producer Dirk Impens of Menuet (Belgium), with Frakas Productions (Belgium) and Topkapi Films (Netherlands).
The film, a Belgium-Netherlands co-production, follows a 15-year-old transgender girl who is born in a boy’s body. While undergoing her gender realignment procedure, she harbours dreams of becoming a ballerina.
The project...
The ninth edition of the Les Arcs Industry Village, held as part of the Les Arcs European Film Festival in the French Alps (Dec 16-23), has unveiled its two works in progress winners.
Source: Les Arcs European Film Festival
A jury consisting of Charles Tesson, artistic director of Cannes Critics’ Week, Elad Samorzik, artistic director of the Jerusalem Film Festival, and Tamara Tatishvili, producer of Georgian thriller Hostages, selected the winners from 15 projects.
Of those projects, eight were eligible for the TitraFilm Award, which comes with €10,000 of post-production services for image and/or sound. The award was granted to Girl from director Lukas Dhont (Belgium) producer Dirk Impens of Menuet (Belgium), with Frakas Productions (Belgium) and Topkapi Films (Netherlands).
The film, a Belgium-Netherlands co-production, follows a 15-year-old transgender girl who is born in a boy’s body. While undergoing her gender realignment procedure, she harbours dreams of becoming a ballerina.
The project...
- 12/19/2017
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Felix Van Groeningen collaborator to “move aside”.
In a move that has taken the Belgian industry by surprise, veteran producer Dirk Impens has confirmed that he is closing down his production company Menuet and is planning to quit the film business.
Impens is the highly respected producer behind Oscar nominated films such as Stijn Coninx’s Daens and Felix van Groeningen’s Broken Circle Breakdown.
Contacted by Screen, Impens explained that after three decades in the business it was time to take a break.
“Old man, move aside,” 59-year-old Impens commented.
“What could be worse than becoming a grumpy old man who keeps on telling (people) how things were so much better in the old days? Never ! It’s been a wonderful 30 years, thanks to many super talented people and a very dedicated small staff. 30 years ago I did what I believed was the right thing, sometimes against all odds! And that is...
In a move that has taken the Belgian industry by surprise, veteran producer Dirk Impens has confirmed that he is closing down his production company Menuet and is planning to quit the film business.
Impens is the highly respected producer behind Oscar nominated films such as Stijn Coninx’s Daens and Felix van Groeningen’s Broken Circle Breakdown.
Contacted by Screen, Impens explained that after three decades in the business it was time to take a break.
“Old man, move aside,” 59-year-old Impens commented.
“What could be worse than becoming a grumpy old man who keeps on telling (people) how things were so much better in the old days? Never ! It’s been a wonderful 30 years, thanks to many super talented people and a very dedicated small staff. 30 years ago I did what I believed was the right thing, sometimes against all odds! And that is...
- 7/17/2017
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Award-winning Belgian star to make directorial debut on novel adaptation.
Veerle Baetens, voted European actress of the Year in 2013 for her role in The Broken Circle Breakdown, is to make her directorial debut with the big-screen adaptation of Lize Spit’s debut novel The Melting (Het smelt).
The revenge drama reunites Baetens with producer Dirk Impens of Ghent-based Menuet, the company behind Oscar-nominated The Broken Circle Breakdown and Code 37, which both starred the Belgian actress.
Menuet also recently produced Belgica, Café Derby, Coppers and In Flanders Fields. The Dutch co-producer is Topkapi Films. Baetens is to script the feature but it is yet to be decided whether she will act in it.
Baetens is also known for films including The White Queen and Berlinale entry News From Planet Mars, and has appeared in TV series The Team and the upcoming Beyond the Walls (Au-delà des murs) and Tabula Rasa, which she co-wrote...
Veerle Baetens, voted European actress of the Year in 2013 for her role in The Broken Circle Breakdown, is to make her directorial debut with the big-screen adaptation of Lize Spit’s debut novel The Melting (Het smelt).
The revenge drama reunites Baetens with producer Dirk Impens of Ghent-based Menuet, the company behind Oscar-nominated The Broken Circle Breakdown and Code 37, which both starred the Belgian actress.
Menuet also recently produced Belgica, Café Derby, Coppers and In Flanders Fields. The Dutch co-producer is Topkapi Films. Baetens is to script the feature but it is yet to be decided whether she will act in it.
Baetens is also known for films including The White Queen and Berlinale entry News From Planet Mars, and has appeared in TV series The Team and the upcoming Beyond the Walls (Au-delà des murs) and Tabula Rasa, which she co-wrote...
- 4/8/2016
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Ensor will see the Oscar-nominated director return to Europe, while his Sundance film Belgica has had its poster banned.
Belgica director Felix van Groeningen is working on a new feature that centres on the chaotic collaboration between a theatre company and a circus troupe.
The film, based on a play by the filmmaker’s regular co-writer Arne Sierens, is titled Ensor and is billed as a Fellini-esque drama.
The Belgian filmmaker will again work with producer Dirk Impens, who worked with Van Groeningen on Sundance title Belgica and Oscar-nominated The Broken Circle Breakdown.
It will also see him return to Europe after his first Us project, Beautiful Boy, which he is making for New Regency and Plan B.
Censored
Belgica, about two brothers who start a bar and get swept up in its success in the midst of Belgium’s nightlife scene, is being sold at Efm by The Match Factory.
A row has...
Belgica director Felix van Groeningen is working on a new feature that centres on the chaotic collaboration between a theatre company and a circus troupe.
The film, based on a play by the filmmaker’s regular co-writer Arne Sierens, is titled Ensor and is billed as a Fellini-esque drama.
The Belgian filmmaker will again work with producer Dirk Impens, who worked with Van Groeningen on Sundance title Belgica and Oscar-nominated The Broken Circle Breakdown.
It will also see him return to Europe after his first Us project, Beautiful Boy, which he is making for New Regency and Plan B.
Censored
Belgica, about two brothers who start a bar and get swept up in its success in the midst of Belgium’s nightlife scene, is being sold at Efm by The Match Factory.
A row has...
- 2/13/2016
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
As Sundance and Slamdance prepare to kick off this week some insiders have predicted there could be a surge of activity from digital platforms besides Netflix and Amazon Studios.
The latter two are expected to be active – and indeed have already taken a few Park City titles off the table – yet there is talk of other well-capitalised companies mulling over a splashy entry into the acquisitions arena.
The Sundance Film Festival runs from January 21-31.
Nimble digital platforms challenge traditional buyers
Faced with sharp digital rivals unencumbered by the need to spend on costly P&A and plugged into transactional data that enables them to target audiences with forensic precision, theatrical buyers will need to be on their toes.
The distribution landscape is crowded and unforgiving, yet creative marketing campaigns can pave the way to success.
Among others, A24 did it with Ex Machina and Fox Searchlight reaped rewards with its 2015 Sundance pick-up Brooklyn, earning Oscar nods...
The latter two are expected to be active – and indeed have already taken a few Park City titles off the table – yet there is talk of other well-capitalised companies mulling over a splashy entry into the acquisitions arena.
The Sundance Film Festival runs from January 21-31.
Nimble digital platforms challenge traditional buyers
Faced with sharp digital rivals unencumbered by the need to spend on costly P&A and plugged into transactional data that enables them to target audiences with forensic precision, theatrical buyers will need to be on their toes.
The distribution landscape is crowded and unforgiving, yet creative marketing campaigns can pave the way to success.
Among others, A24 did it with Ex Machina and Fox Searchlight reaped rewards with its 2015 Sundance pick-up Brooklyn, earning Oscar nods...
- 1/18/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
As Sundance and Slamdance prepare to kick off this week some insiders have predicted there could be a surge of activity from digital platforms besides Netflix and Amazon Studios.
The latter two are expected to be active – and indeed have already taken a few Park City titles off the table – yet there is talk of other well-capitalised companies mulling over a splashy entry into the acquisitions arena. The Sundance Film Festival runs from January 21-31.
Nimble digital platforms challenge traditional buyers
Faced with sharp digital rivals unencumbered by the need to spend on costly P&A and plugged into transactional data that enables them to target audiences with forensic precision, theatrical buyers will need to be on their toes.
The distribution landscape is crowded and unforgiving, yet creative marketing campaigns can pave the way to success.
Among others, A24 did it with Ex Machina and Fox Searchlight reaped rewards with its 2015 Sundance pick-up Brooklyn, earning Oscar nods...
The latter two are expected to be active – and indeed have already taken a few Park City titles off the table – yet there is talk of other well-capitalised companies mulling over a splashy entry into the acquisitions arena. The Sundance Film Festival runs from January 21-31.
Nimble digital platforms challenge traditional buyers
Faced with sharp digital rivals unencumbered by the need to spend on costly P&A and plugged into transactional data that enables them to target audiences with forensic precision, theatrical buyers will need to be on their toes.
The distribution landscape is crowded and unforgiving, yet creative marketing campaigns can pave the way to success.
Among others, A24 did it with Ex Machina and Fox Searchlight reaped rewards with its 2015 Sundance pick-up Brooklyn, earning Oscar nods...
- 1/18/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Belgica
Director: Felix van Groeningen
Writers: Felix van Groeningen, Arne Sierens
Belgian director Felix van Groeningen has received numerous critical applause over the past decade, beginning with his 2004 debut Steve+Sky. 2009’s The Misfortunates received an award out of the Directors’ Fortnight, while he received considerable international success with 2012’s The Broken Circle Breakdown, which picked up awards at Berlin, Tribeca and nabbed a Cesar for Best Foreign Language Film. He’s been working on his fifth title, Belgica, since 2014, a story about two brothers who open a bar in Belgium and get swept up in the city’s nightlife.
Cast: Stef Aerts, Tom Vermeir, Stefaan De Winter, Charlotte Vandermeersch
Production Co./Producers: Menuet’s Dirk Impens, Pyramide Productions, Topkapi Films
U.S. Distributor: Rights available Tbd (domestic/international).
Release Date: Belgica will be competing in the World Dramatic category in January at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
Director: Felix van Groeningen
Writers: Felix van Groeningen, Arne Sierens
Belgian director Felix van Groeningen has received numerous critical applause over the past decade, beginning with his 2004 debut Steve+Sky. 2009’s The Misfortunates received an award out of the Directors’ Fortnight, while he received considerable international success with 2012’s The Broken Circle Breakdown, which picked up awards at Berlin, Tribeca and nabbed a Cesar for Best Foreign Language Film. He’s been working on his fifth title, Belgica, since 2014, a story about two brothers who open a bar in Belgium and get swept up in the city’s nightlife.
Cast: Stef Aerts, Tom Vermeir, Stefaan De Winter, Charlotte Vandermeersch
Production Co./Producers: Menuet’s Dirk Impens, Pyramide Productions, Topkapi Films
U.S. Distributor: Rights available Tbd (domestic/international).
Release Date: Belgica will be competing in the World Dramatic category in January at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
- 1/8/2016
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Belgica
Directors: Felix van Groeningen // Writers: Arne Sierens, Felix van Groeningen
Belgian director Felix van Groeningen’s last film, The Broken Circle Breakdown, which played at Berlin, received notable critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the best foreign language film at the Academy Awards. He reteams with Aren Sierens, the scribe of his sophomore feature With Friends Like These (2007) for his latest, Belgica. As usual, Groeningen mines his own family’s experiences for inspiration in this tale which follows the story of two brothers who, even though they have absolutely nothing in common, open a bar together that quickly becomes a regular hangout for nighthawks. Despite this success, the two brothers must soon face up to the difficulties inherent in running a family business. Their brotherhood turns into rivalry, through no fault of their own.
Cast: Titus De Voogdt, Johan Heldenbergh, Sam Louwyck
Producers: Menuet’s Dirk Impens, Pyramide Productions,...
Directors: Felix van Groeningen // Writers: Arne Sierens, Felix van Groeningen
Belgian director Felix van Groeningen’s last film, The Broken Circle Breakdown, which played at Berlin, received notable critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the best foreign language film at the Academy Awards. He reteams with Aren Sierens, the scribe of his sophomore feature With Friends Like These (2007) for his latest, Belgica. As usual, Groeningen mines his own family’s experiences for inspiration in this tale which follows the story of two brothers who, even though they have absolutely nothing in common, open a bar together that quickly becomes a regular hangout for nighthawks. Despite this success, the two brothers must soon face up to the difficulties inherent in running a family business. Their brotherhood turns into rivalry, through no fault of their own.
Cast: Titus De Voogdt, Johan Heldenbergh, Sam Louwyck
Producers: Menuet’s Dirk Impens, Pyramide Productions,...
- 1/7/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
When I asked writer-director Felix van Groeningen what he would do after the Oscar-nominated "Broken Circle Breakdown," he insisted he's stick close to home. And so he has. His next project is drama "Belgica" with Belgium's hottest star, Cesar-winner Matthias Schoenaerts ("Rust and Bone") opposite Stef Aerts ("Oxygen"). Belgica, Groeningen’s fifth feature film, is a family drama set in the midst of Belgium’s nightlife scene. Two brothers who open up a successful bar get swept up in its early success. Groeningen wrote the script with his "With Friends Like These" co-writer Arne Sierens. Groeningen will reteam with a number of his collaborators from "The Broken Circle Breakdown." Menuet returns as producer in coproduction with Topkapi and Pyramide Productions, along with longtime producer Dirk Impens, director of photography Ruben Impens, and editor Nico Leunen. Principal photography will begin this Fall in Belgium. "The Broken Circle...
- 2/18/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Broken Circle Breakdown, The Great Beauty and Adele: Chapters 1 & 2 among nominees.
The nominations for the 26th European Film Awards have been announced at the Seville European Film Festival.
More than 2,900 European Film Academy members will now vote for the winners who will be presented during the awards ceremony on Dec 7 in Berlin.
Nominated are:
European Film 2013
The Best Offer
Italy, 130 min
Written & Directed By: Giuseppe Tornatore
Produced By: Isabella Cocuzza & Arturo Paglia
Blancanieves
Spain/France, 104 min
Written & Directed By: Pablo Berger
Produced By: Ibon Cormenzana, Jérôme Vidal & Pablo Berger
The Broken Circle Breakdown
Belgium, 100 min
Directed By: Felix van Groeningen
Written By: Carl Joos & Felix van Groeningen
Produced By: Dirk Impens
La Grande Bellezza
The Great Beauty
Italy/France, 140 min
Directed By: Paolo Sorrentino
Written By: Paolo Sorrentino & Umberto Contarello
Produced By: Nicola Giuliano & Francesca Cima
Oh Boy!
Germany, 83 min
Written & Directed By: Jan Ole Gerster
Produced By: Marcos Kantis & Alexander Wadouh
La Vie D’Adele:...
The nominations for the 26th European Film Awards have been announced at the Seville European Film Festival.
More than 2,900 European Film Academy members will now vote for the winners who will be presented during the awards ceremony on Dec 7 in Berlin.
Nominated are:
European Film 2013
The Best Offer
Italy, 130 min
Written & Directed By: Giuseppe Tornatore
Produced By: Isabella Cocuzza & Arturo Paglia
Blancanieves
Spain/France, 104 min
Written & Directed By: Pablo Berger
Produced By: Ibon Cormenzana, Jérôme Vidal & Pablo Berger
The Broken Circle Breakdown
Belgium, 100 min
Directed By: Felix van Groeningen
Written By: Carl Joos & Felix van Groeningen
Produced By: Dirk Impens
La Grande Bellezza
The Great Beauty
Italy/France, 140 min
Directed By: Paolo Sorrentino
Written By: Paolo Sorrentino & Umberto Contarello
Produced By: Nicola Giuliano & Francesca Cima
Oh Boy!
Germany, 83 min
Written & Directed By: Jan Ole Gerster
Produced By: Marcos Kantis & Alexander Wadouh
La Vie D’Adele:...
- 11/9/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Flemish drama entered for inclusion in the Best Foreign-Language Film Academy Award submissions 2013.
Felix van Groeningen’s The Broken Circle Breakdown has been chosen as the official entry of Belgium to the Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film Award.
The decision was made unanimously by a national jury.
Click here for Best Foreign-Language Film Academy Award submissions 2013
Review: The Broken Circle Breakdown
The film centres on a love affair between tattoo artist Elise (Veerle Baetens) and bluegrass musician Didier (Johan Heldenbergh). After bonding over their shared enthusiasm for American music and culture, they enter into a sweeping romance but when an unexpected tragedy hits their new family, everything they know and love is put to the test.
Baetens won the award for best actress at the Tribeca Film Festival, where the film also won best screenplay, which was co-written by Groeningen and Carl Joos.
It also won the Label Europa Cinemas prize and Panorama Audience Award at the...
Felix van Groeningen’s The Broken Circle Breakdown has been chosen as the official entry of Belgium to the Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film Award.
The decision was made unanimously by a national jury.
Click here for Best Foreign-Language Film Academy Award submissions 2013
Review: The Broken Circle Breakdown
The film centres on a love affair between tattoo artist Elise (Veerle Baetens) and bluegrass musician Didier (Johan Heldenbergh). After bonding over their shared enthusiasm for American music and culture, they enter into a sweeping romance but when an unexpected tragedy hits their new family, everything they know and love is put to the test.
Baetens won the award for best actress at the Tribeca Film Festival, where the film also won best screenplay, which was co-written by Groeningen and Carl Joos.
It also won the Label Europa Cinemas prize and Panorama Audience Award at the...
- 9/23/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
A little more than a month after it won two awards at the Tribeca Film Festival, Tribeca Films has acquired the U.S. rights to "The Broken Circle Breakdown." Director Felix van Groeningen's fourth feature won Best Screenplay and Best Actress after snagging the Audience Award from the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year. The distributor plans a late 2013 theatrical release followed by a VOD-run on various platforms. "[Producer] Dirk Impens and I are really thrilled that our movie will play for American audiences, especially after the warm welcome the movie had when screening at the Tribeca Film Festival," said van Groeningen. "We feel that Tribeca Film is the best home for our movie, with their great team of passionate people." The film follows a tattoo shop owner (Didier Bontinck) and a banjo player (Best Actress winner Elise Vandevelde) who fall for each other despite their differences. The romantic...
- 5/29/2013
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Guido van Driel’s dramatic feature film debut “The Resurrection of a Bastard” will open the 42nd International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 23. The film also will compete for the festival’s Hivos Tiger Awards. Yorick van Wageningen, Goua Robert Grovogui, Juda Goslinga and Jeroen Willems star in the story of what happens when an old, vengeful Frisian farmer, a criminal from Amsterdam and an illegal immigrant cross paths. Topkapi Films’ Frans van Gestel and Arnold Heslenfeld produced the project with Dirk Impens and Rudy Verzyck of Menuet. Bas Blokker co-wrote the screenplay with Van Driel. Read More: Rotterdam Announces First Competition Selections For 2013 Festival The film is produced with the support of The Netherlands Film Fund, The Flanders Audiovisual Fund and the Media Programme of the European Union. “We are extremely glad to present 'The Resurrection of a Bastard' as our Official Opening Film and in our...
- 12/13/2012
- by Jay A. Fernandez
- Indiewire
Felix van Groeningen's third full-length film has been selected to open up the 36th Ghent International Film Festival in Belgium this October. A tale of a young boy's attempt to avoid his family's despondant fortune, The Misfortunates received warm reception at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
The Misfortunates (De helaasheid der dingen) is inspired by the Dimitri Verhulst's novel of the same name. Shadowing the 13-year-old Gunther Strobbe's destitute home life, the film tries to forecast the young boy's future. It is a story which searches for some hope rescue from the moral depravity in which Gunther's lecherous father and uncles drown themselves in.
Festival managing director Jacques Dubrulle speaks of The Misfortunates as a "very multi-layered and compelling film that is exceptionally well made." He explains, "If there are good Belgian films, then we are more than happy to give them a platform."
The Misfortunates is steadily...
The Misfortunates (De helaasheid der dingen) is inspired by the Dimitri Verhulst's novel of the same name. Shadowing the 13-year-old Gunther Strobbe's destitute home life, the film tries to forecast the young boy's future. It is a story which searches for some hope rescue from the moral depravity in which Gunther's lecherous father and uncles drown themselves in.
Festival managing director Jacques Dubrulle speaks of The Misfortunates as a "very multi-layered and compelling film that is exceptionally well made." He explains, "If there are good Belgian films, then we are more than happy to give them a platform."
The Misfortunates is steadily...
- 7/15/2009
- icelebz.com
"Left Luggage" is clumsily made, but that doesn't hurt its potential for good boxoffice results in specialty markets in the United States and Europe. Female audiences especially should easily identify with the charming main character, a modern teenage girl who grows up while baby-sitting a troubled Chasidic child.
First the bad news: This English-language directorial debut of Dutch actor Jeroen Krabbe ("Immortal Beloved") is badly timed and jerkily cut. Too many scenes should have been truncated just before the actors could speak one melodramatic line too many, and either director Krabbe or the poorly motivated script by Edwin de Vries seem to have encouraged the actors to ham it up instead of concentrating on creating credible characters. The technical credits are good, though unpolished.
Here's the good news: Women should like this film. In her first leading role, young Briton Laura Fraser plays Chaja, a "modern" Jewish teenager in 1970s Amsterdam. She's sexually emancipated, has no awareness of any racial discrimination and no patience with her air-headed, cake-baking mother (Marianne Saegebrecht) or with her father (Maximilian Schell), who is obsessed with the past. (He spends the film looking for two suitcases he buried somewhere while fleeing the Nazis.)
Needing money, Chaja gets a job as a nanny for a Chasidic family with their repressive rules, funny clothes and general backwardness. But before she can quit, she falls for the 5-year-old son Simcha (Adam Monty) who, frightened by his overbearing father, refuses to speak. Chaja's relationship with Simcha is warm and funny, and young Monty is even cuter than Fraser, if that's possible.
While Simcha learns to speak, Chaja learns to respect both this unusual family and her Jewish heritage. In the end, Chaja also learns about loss, which brings her full circle -- to an understanding of the Jewish past that formed her family and herself.
Fraser's performance is unfortunately anything but subtle -- she loves rolling those big eyes, grinning, goofing, hamming and generally looking cute.
But what she lacks in accomplishment she makes up for with sheer energy and an impressive big-screen charisma.
Women should be able to put themselves in Chaja's shoes easily, and because the movie is well-meaning, if flawed, the audience will not feel embarrassed about pulling out the handkerchiefs.
LEFT LUGGAGE
A Flying Dutchman/Shooting Star production
in association with Favourite Films and Greystone Films
Credits: Director: Jeroen Krabbe; Producers: Ate de Jong, Hans Pos, Dave Schram; Executive producers: Craig Haffner, Brad Wilson; Co-producers: Dirk Impens, Rudy Verzyck; Associate producers: Maria Peters, Edwin de Vries, Jeroen Krabbe; Screenplay: Edwin de Vries; Based on the novel "The Shovel and the Loom" by: Carl Friedman; Director of photography: Walther van den Ende; Art director: Hemmo Sportel; Editor: Edgar Burcksen; Music: Henny Vrienten; Costume designer: Yan Tax, Bernadette Corstens; Casting: Susie Figgis. Cast: Mrs. Kalman: Isabella Rossellini; Chaja's Father: Maximilian Schell; Chaja's Mother: Marianne Saegebrecht; Mr. Kalman: Jeroen Krabbe; Chaja: Laura Fraser; Simcha: Adam Monty; Concierge: David Bradley; Herr Apfelschnitt: Chaim Topol; Sofie: Heather Weeks. No MPAA rating. Running time -- 96 minutes. Color/stereo.
First the bad news: This English-language directorial debut of Dutch actor Jeroen Krabbe ("Immortal Beloved") is badly timed and jerkily cut. Too many scenes should have been truncated just before the actors could speak one melodramatic line too many, and either director Krabbe or the poorly motivated script by Edwin de Vries seem to have encouraged the actors to ham it up instead of concentrating on creating credible characters. The technical credits are good, though unpolished.
Here's the good news: Women should like this film. In her first leading role, young Briton Laura Fraser plays Chaja, a "modern" Jewish teenager in 1970s Amsterdam. She's sexually emancipated, has no awareness of any racial discrimination and no patience with her air-headed, cake-baking mother (Marianne Saegebrecht) or with her father (Maximilian Schell), who is obsessed with the past. (He spends the film looking for two suitcases he buried somewhere while fleeing the Nazis.)
Needing money, Chaja gets a job as a nanny for a Chasidic family with their repressive rules, funny clothes and general backwardness. But before she can quit, she falls for the 5-year-old son Simcha (Adam Monty) who, frightened by his overbearing father, refuses to speak. Chaja's relationship with Simcha is warm and funny, and young Monty is even cuter than Fraser, if that's possible.
While Simcha learns to speak, Chaja learns to respect both this unusual family and her Jewish heritage. In the end, Chaja also learns about loss, which brings her full circle -- to an understanding of the Jewish past that formed her family and herself.
Fraser's performance is unfortunately anything but subtle -- she loves rolling those big eyes, grinning, goofing, hamming and generally looking cute.
But what she lacks in accomplishment she makes up for with sheer energy and an impressive big-screen charisma.
Women should be able to put themselves in Chaja's shoes easily, and because the movie is well-meaning, if flawed, the audience will not feel embarrassed about pulling out the handkerchiefs.
LEFT LUGGAGE
A Flying Dutchman/Shooting Star production
in association with Favourite Films and Greystone Films
Credits: Director: Jeroen Krabbe; Producers: Ate de Jong, Hans Pos, Dave Schram; Executive producers: Craig Haffner, Brad Wilson; Co-producers: Dirk Impens, Rudy Verzyck; Associate producers: Maria Peters, Edwin de Vries, Jeroen Krabbe; Screenplay: Edwin de Vries; Based on the novel "The Shovel and the Loom" by: Carl Friedman; Director of photography: Walther van den Ende; Art director: Hemmo Sportel; Editor: Edgar Burcksen; Music: Henny Vrienten; Costume designer: Yan Tax, Bernadette Corstens; Casting: Susie Figgis. Cast: Mrs. Kalman: Isabella Rossellini; Chaja's Father: Maximilian Schell; Chaja's Mother: Marianne Saegebrecht; Mr. Kalman: Jeroen Krabbe; Chaja: Laura Fraser; Simcha: Adam Monty; Concierge: David Bradley; Herr Apfelschnitt: Chaim Topol; Sofie: Heather Weeks. No MPAA rating. Running time -- 96 minutes. Color/stereo.
- 2/17/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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