Young director Cato Kusters to open Film Fest Gent with debut film
Flemish director Cato Kusters will open the 52nd edition of Film Fest Gent in October with her debut feature, Julian.
The movie is based on the memoir of the same name by artist and LGBTQ+ activist Fleur Pierets and tells the story of two women who decide to get married in every country where they are allowed to do so. What follows is an ambitious art project and a “world tour of love”.
“It’s a powerful story that remains relevant, especially at a time when so many people’s rights are under pressure,” Kusters said.
In September, the 26-year-old will become the youngest Belgian director to show at the Toronto International Film Festival, and she will be the youngest ever to open Film Fest Gent with a debut film the following month.
"By opening the festival with Cato Kusters' film, we hope to contribute, however modestly, to Fleur Pierets' dream and her fight for an inclusive society where love, for and between all people, is a fundamental right," said Wim De Witte, the festival's programme director.
Kusters obtained a master’s in directing from the RITCS School of Arts in Brussels. Her 2022 graduation short, Finns hiel, won first prize in the Best Belgian Student Short category at Film Fest Gent.
"It’s a powerful story that remains relevant, especially at a time when so many people’s rights are under pressure"
“For me, the festival is one of the most important tastemakers in the European landscape, and one of the most wonderful places to celebrate cinema," Kusters said. "To open here with Julian is truly an honour.”
Julian is produced by brothers Michiel and Lukas Dhont, with Laurence Roothooft and Nina Meurisse playing the lead roles. It will be released in Belgian cinemas on 29 October.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JONAS DHOLLANDER
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