Ghent filmmaker Lukas Dhont and Dardenne brothers in the running for Palme d'Or at Cannes

Four years after his international success with ‘Girl’, filmmaker Lukas Dhont from Ghent is competing for a Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival with his second feature ‘Close’. The Dardenne brothers from Liège are also in competition with their film ‘Tori et Lokita’, doubling the chances of seeing a Belgian prizewinner in Cannes.

Thierry Frémaux, general delegate of the event, announced the nominees on Thursday. ‘Close’ tells the story of a close friendship between two thirteen-year-old boys, Leo and Remi. After their friendship is abruptly cut short, Leo seeks rapprochement with Remi’s mother Sophie.

The cast consists mainly of new, young talent, supported by Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne (Palme d’Or winner for her debut role in ‘Rosetta’, 1999) and French actress Léa Drucker (‘84 Charing Cross Road’).

“’Close’, premiering in the Official Competition of the Cannes Film Festival, is an incredibly crazy dream which suddenly becomes a reality”, Dhont explains. “Something a 12-year-old Lukas, who received a small video camera for his birthday, would have never dared to dream of. I am so proud of the entire team and cast with whom we made this film. With a warm and vulnerable heart, I look forward to sharing this film with the world at one of the most important festivals in the world.”

‘Tori et Lokita’ by veteran fillmakers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, in turn, tells the story of two young exiles who share an unbreakable bond, who come to settle in Belgium.

Both filmmakers are regulars at Cannes, where they have already twice taken home a prestigious Palme d’Or award. Once for ‘Rosetta’ (1999), with Emilie Dequenne in the leading role, and later again for ‘L’Enfant’ (2005). They have also won several subsidiary prizes.

The 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will be held in the French coastal city from 17 to 28 May.

(BRV)

Photo shows Belgian film director Lukas Dhont during the photocall prior to the Chanel Women's Fall-Winter 2020-2021 Ready-to-Wear collection fashion show in Paris, on March 3, 2020. © FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP