Film producer Maarten D'Hollander represents Flanders in Cannes

Young Belgian film producer Maarten D' Hollander was chosen by the Flemish Audiovisual Fund and Flanders Image this wekk to represent the region in the New Producers Room at the Cannes Cannes Film Festival. On Monday, the only Belgian film in the festival's official selection, Augure, was enthusiastically received.

For four days, the New Producers Room programme allowed budding producers to present their profiles and projects and take part in various panels. Participants meet European colleagues at the event, creating opportunities for international co-productions. The New Producers Room is an initiative of the festival's Short Film Corner.

"It is especially interesting to meet people affiliated with eight other national funds"

"Over three days, I had about 30 meetings," said D'Hollander, from Ghent. "It is especially interesting to meet people affiliated with eight other national funds, which structurally support this programme, and other producers, sales agents, distributors and festivals."

His company, Krater Films, founded in 2020 and based in Ghent, has produced three short films so far. It co-produced Jessica Woodworth's Belgian feature film Luka, which will be released in cinemas in September.

Two contenders for Camera d'Or

Earlier this week, the Belgian film industry made an appearance at Cannes with Augure. The first feature film by Belgian-Congolese musician and actor Baloji was enthusiastically received. Augure is the only Belgian film in the Un Certain Regard competition for up-and-coming talent. Baloji's film is also in the running for the Camera d'Or, the prestigious award for best debut.

The Belgian-French film Il pleut dans la maison by Paloma Sermon-Daï was awarded the French Touch prize at the Semaine de La Critique, one of the festival's parallel sections. The jury praised the film for its "creative audacity". Il pleut dans la maison is Sermon-Daï's first feature film, making it eligible for the Camera d'Or.

(BRV)

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