Holly by Fien Troch selected for Venice Film Festival

Holly, the fifth feature film by Belgian director Fien Troch, has been selected for the official main competition of the Venice International Film Festival. The festival organisers announced the selection on Tuesday.

Holly will also have its world premiere in Venice. This is "an incredible opportunity", Troch said in a press release. "I have a special connection with the festival, so this is the perfect start for the film's international career."

"To be invited to the official competition seven years later: I could only dream of that"

Troch won the best director award for her film Home in the Orizzonti side competition at the 2016 festival. "To be invited to the official competition seven years later: I could only dream of that," she said.

Her new film tells the story of Holly, a 15-year-old girl who comes under scrutiny after seemingly predicting a deadly school fire. She is invited to volunteer with the grieving community. She succeeds in bringing peace and hope, but more and more is demanded of her.

The lead roles are played by debutantes Cathalina Geeraerts and Felix Heremans. They are supported by Greet Verstraete, Els Deceukelier, Serdi Faki Alici and Robbie Cleiren.

The 80th edition of the Venice International Film Festival takes place from 30 August to 9 September. The Belgian release of Holly is scheduled for 22 November.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Director Fien Troch © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}