Extraordinary support: 21 projects, including eight documentaries, selected during the 14th session of screen.brussels fund
For its 14th session, thanks to special COVID funds released by the Region, the screen.brussels fund was able to invest an additional budget of €500,000, giving a total of €1,549,000 spread across 21 projects in various formats: four feature films, five series, three animated projects, eight documentaries and one virtual reality project. Here are the details of the selection:
Four feature films
L’enfant caché
Produced by Iris Films (Ixelles), Iris Productions (Luxembourg) and Tu Vas Voir (France). This feature film is directed by Nicolas Steil (Luxembourg) and written by Henri Roanne-Rosenbaltt (Uccle) and Michel Fessler (France). Brussels, 1986. Saül Birnbaum owns a cinema-themed delicatessen and is set to become a producer by helping a young Chilean man write and direct the story of his childhood. But then love comes knocking at his door and forces him to face up to his past. In the late 1930s, he had been part of the Kindertransport convoys and spent the war in Brussels, far from his parents, as a hidden child. Twelve of the 40 days of filming are taking place in Brussels, including tanks on the Grand Place in October. Seven technicians are working on this film, along with one service provider, Caligo, for set decoration.
Les Gentils
Produced by Ring Production (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre) and Savage Film (Zaventem). This feature film is directed and written by Olivier Ringer (Linkebeek). The project also benefited from support with screenwriting from Yves Ringer (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre). When their main customer leaves the region, Michel and Blandine watch as their small business slowly fails, bringing their staff down with them. While they are busy losing everything, from their home to their love, they find support in Florent, their accountant, and Bruno, one of their workers. Together, they try to find a way out of this mess. This film is being shot mainly in Brussels (35/40 days), which will also be providing most of the post-production (100/110 days). This involves eight Brussels-based crew members and five service providers: Studio l’Equipe (Evere) for post-production, Eye Lite (Schaerbeek) for production equipment, Ring Prod (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre) for image editing, Studio 5/5 (Etterbeek) for mixing and Thank God It’s Friday (Watermael) for sound equipment.
Ronald Krump
A feature film produced by Roue Libre Production (Namur), co-written by Cédric Bourgeois from Brussels, who is also the director, and by Jean-Benoît Ugeux, who plays the lead role. Frank is an ex-porn star who worked under the name of Ronald Krump. His daughter Sophie is kidnapped by people to whom Frank owes a lot of money. At a loss, he turns to his friend Bobby for help and the two friends set off on a mad, fantastic pursuit to save Sophie. A dozen crew members will work on this feature film, which will be almost entirely shot in Brussels (20/23 days). All of the post-production work will also take place in Brussels (75 days): sound mixing and editing by Chocolat Noisette (City of Brussels), management of dailies and post-production by Stempel (Anderlecht), colour grading by Cobalt (City of Brussels), grip equipment by KGS (Schaerbeek) and sound equipment provided by Audiosense (Evere).
Saint Habib
Produced by Daylight Films (City of Brussels), A Private View (Ghent), Formosa Productions & Polaris Films (France), and CAB Productions (Switzerland). This feature film is written and directed by Benoit Mariage (Namur). Habib is a young actor from Brussels with a Moroccan background. Tired of always playing the stereotypical Arab in low-budget films, Habib puts his acting chops to the test when he lands the lead role in a theatrical adaptation of the life of St Francis of Assisi... Constantly torn between the contradictory aspirations of his various communities, will Habib succeed in preserving his integrity? This project is anchored in Brussels both by its story and by the film crew, as it’s being filmed mainly in Brussels (29/33 days) with a dozen crew members. Most of the post-production is also being carried out in Brussels (90/126 days), involving three service providers: Eye Lite (Schaerbeek) for camera and light equipment, HGS (Schaerbeek) for grip equipment and Studio l’Equipe (Evere) for image post-production. The film’s cast will be come from Brussels, from elsewhere in Belgium and from France, headed by Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Paul Rouve, Bouli Lanners, Bruno Vanden Broecke and Thomas Solivérès.
Five series
1985
Produced by Eyeworks Film & TV Drama (Zaventem) and directed and written by Wouter Bouvijn (Ghent). In 1980, a young woman, her brother and his best friend set off on a journey into adulthood. Full of good intentions, they are embarking on a promising future: Inge as a law student at VUB, and Marc and Franky as police recruits. But as the years pass, each of them loses their innocence and illusions. Like the entire country, they sink deeper and deeper into the quagmire surrounding the Brabant killers... Half of the filming is taking place in Brussels, while part of the post-production will be carried out in the Region (60/280 days). This series has served as a showcase for the talents of seven Brussels-based crew members, while 1985 also involves two local service providers: Cinetec (Ixelles) for camera rental and Sonhouse (Koekelberg) for mixing. The series also has a symbolic impact, as it’s a co-production between television channels from either side of the language barrier, namely RTBF and VRT.
Coyotes
This series (six 52-minute episodes) is produced by La Compagnie Cinématographique (Saint-Gilles), Panache Productions (Saint-Gilles) and Les Films Fauves (Luxembourg). The showrunners for this project are Gary Seghers (Rochefort) and Jacques Molitor (Luxembourg), while four of the writers are from Brussels: Vincent Lavachery (City of Brussels), Axel de Bus (City of Brussels), Christophe Beaujean (Forest) and Anne-Lise Morin (City of Brussels). It’s the great Scout Jamboree in the village of Warnaffe, somewhere in the Luxembourg countryside. A loner and a rebel, 17-year-old Kevin has just joined the Coyote troop. He falls head over heels with Marie, the prettiest girl around, after meeting her at a village party. The next day, he discovers a bag full of diamonds... on a corpse. This is the stroke of good fortune he has always been waiting for: his passport to freedom. Filming for the series will be spread over four days in Brussels, while part of the post-production (30 out of 120 days) will also take place there. The project will involve a dozen crew members, plus Manneken Pix for the image post-production. The film has a cast of young actors mainly from Brussels.
Fils de…
Produced by AT-Prod (Watermael-Boitsfort) and directed by Frank Devos (Brussels). In total, five Brussels-based writers have helped Fils de… see the light of day: Antoine Negrevergne, Camille Pistone, Gaetan Delferière, Simon Bertrand and Salim Talbi. An urban myth-tinged epic set in Brussels. Fils de … tells the tale of a gangster father, Franck Pistone, who’s been on the run for 17 years after a heist. Feeling that his end is near, he returns to Brussels to make up with his children. It’s also the story of his son Camille, who must reconnect with the father who abandoned him after stealing from the Dutch Mafia and then fleeing like a coward. To escape this perilous situation, Camille must find the diamonds from his father's heist, which have been hidden in Brussels for 17 years. His best friend Salim comes to his aid, despite having vowed to stay on the straight and narrow. Then there’s Sarah, Franck’s daughter. The two friends don’t know her yet, but they’ll soon have to deal with this "next-gen Nikita." And last but not least there's César, Franck's youngest son, who just may be the solution to all of this. All exteriors are being shot in Brussels (19 days), showcasing the city’s various neighbourhoods, while the majority of post-production will take place in Brussels (121/128 days). Fifteen Brussels-based crew members will work on the project, along with five service providers: audio post-production by Boxon (Ixelles), cameras by Eye Lite (Schaerbeek), title sequence design by Squarefish (Molenbeek), image laboratory work by Manneken Pix (Ixelles) and special effects by Nozon (Koekelberg). The multi-cultural cast is mainly from the region. In addition to Salim Talbi, Camille Pistone, and Mara Taqui, the Belgian singer Marka will be playing the role of Franck.
Les engagés XAOC
This web series consisting of three 45-minute episodes will be produced by Narrativ Nation (Neder-over-Heembeek) and Astharté et Compagnie (France). Its directors are William Samaha (Ath) and Sullivan le Postec (France), who also created the series. "Les engagés" recounts the colourful daily life, full of twists and turns, of a group of committed, impassioned activists running an LGBT organisation. Nine out of the 19 days of filming will take place in Brussels, providing work for about 30 crew members and a quartet of service providers: Audiosense (Evere) for sound equipment, KGS (Schaerbeek) for grip equipment, Eye Lite (Schaerbeek) for cameras and lighting, and Brussels Video Crew (Auderghem) for equipment and supervision of special effects on set.
Undercover 3
The new season of this series comprises eight 52-minute episodes, produced by Les Gens (Schaerbeek), De Mensen (Zaventem) and Gardner&damm (France). The project is being directed by Joël Vanhoebrouk (Brussels) and written by Nico Moolenaar (Brussels), Piet Matthys (Laken) and Pieter de Graeve (Ghent). The world has changed and old-school crooks like Ferry Bouman have left the scene and been replaced by a different type of drug lord. This new, international generation that has become smarter, stronger and faster by learning from the errors of the past. However, these upstart gangsters are more ruthless than ever... Post-production is taking place over 292 days in Brussels, with six Brussels-based technicians working on this project, along with three service providers: Cine Qua Non (City of Brussels) for grip equipment, Sonhouse (Kokelberg) for audio post-production, and XD Colorgrading (Anderlecht) for special effects.
Three animated projects
Les Grandes Vacances
Produced by Panique! (Saint-Gilles), Beast Animation (Mechelen), Autour de Minuit (France) and Nadasby Film (Switzerland). This animated film is being directed and written by Stéphane Aubier (City of Brussels) and Vincent Patar (Genval), with Vincent Tavier (Forest) on the writing team. School is out, and Indian and Cowboy are bored. Watching an old pirate film gets them out of their funk and they decide to build a ship and go off on an adventure. But their first try is a disaster. With the help of some animals, they finally manage to launch their proud vessel and everything is ready for their departure. But of course, nothing goes to plan... And the catastrophes come thick and fast. This project will be provided over 100 days’ work at the heart of Brussels Animation Valley, employing nine local technicians for 18 months. Three service providers will be helping to create this project: Alea Jacta (Saint-Gilles) for image editing, Cobalt Films (City of Brussels) for online editing and titling, and Silenco (Anderlecht) for the studio.
Pandas dans la brume (saison 3)
This new season consists of 30 two-minute episodes and is being produced by Squarefish (Molenbeek) and Melting Productions (France). The project is directed by Thierry Garrance (France) and written by Tignous (France) and François Rollin (France). Panda are so cute. They eat bamboo and are good-natured, the symbol of the WWF, loved by all and very photogenic. The problem is that there are only 1,600 of them left, and they don't really know how to fight for their own survival... They have to rely on their imagination and battle as best they can (with humour and mockery) against deforestation and the destruction of their habitat. This animated series will rely on the talents of six Brussels-based technicians, who will spend six months working on it at the Squarefish animation studio (Molenbeek).
Richard the Stork ans the mystery of the great jewel
Produced by Walking the Dog (Koekelberg), Den Siste Skolling (Norway), and Knudsen Pictures (Germany). This animated feature film is directed by Mette Rank Tange (Denmark) and Banjamin Quabeck (Germany). Rikkie, the sparrow who thought he was a stork, is sorely disappointed to hear he is a burden to his family. He flies off and joins a band of thieving sparrows in Ghardaia, a city run by a greedy peacock. He then has to embark on a desperate search to find the legendary Great Jewel and free the sparrows. This animated feature film will be in production for 300 days at the heart of Brussels Animation Valley, putting some 15 Brussels-based technicians to work. IT and technological support will be provided by Cat on Wheels (Koekelberg).
Eight documentaries
Alexandre Dumas
Produced by Belgica Films (City of Brussels) and Illégitime Defense (France), this documentary is directed by Arnaud Xainte (France), who co-wrote it with Jean-Frédéric Thibault (France). Alexandre Dumas was one of the most prolific writers of his time, with an extraordinary talent for the novel. Based on interviews, animations and clips from feature films or series as well as sound recreation, this documentary retraces the life of a hedonist and great author, who has entranced generations of readers with his Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, now part of the world’s literary heritage. It’s part fiction and part reality... because didn't Dumas himself hide within his books? Filming will take place mainly in Brussels (22/30 days), as will part of the post-production (15/50 days). Five Brussels-based technicians will be among the crew, in addition to those hired by Squarefish, as well as four service providers: Squarefish (Molenbeek) for animation and special effects, Studio l’Equipe (Evere), ADN Studio (Schaerbeek) for colour grading, and Twins (Molenbeek) for sound mixing and editing.
Capturing the Pirate King
Produced by Diplodokus (Leuven), this documentary is directed and written by Lennart Stuyck (Leuven) and Maarten Stuck (City of Brussels). Capturing the Pirate King tells the incredible story of the Belgian Federal Police’s arrest of two Somali pirates wanted on international warrants. Filming for this series will take place in Brussels for five of the 40 days, while post-production will occur in Brussels for 50 of the 200 days required for the project. This documentary will provide work for five technicians in Brussels and will involve two service providers: Mikros (Schaerbeek) for post-production of images and special effects, and A-sound (Schaerbeek) for audio post-production.
Commises d’offices
Produced by Eklektic Productions (City of Brussels) and Melocoton (France), this web series of eight 8-minute episodes will be directed by Léa Zilber (City of Brussels), who also co-wrote the project with Olivia Barlier (France). Using fiction techniques but filming very real women, Olivia Barlier and Léa Zilber immerse us in the world of legal aid lawyers. We follow young female lawyers within the Belgian legal system who have opted not to choose their clients. All of the 70 days’ filming and post-production work will take place in Brussels, providing work for five Brussels-based technicians and two service providers: Chocolat Noisette (City of Brussels) will help edit and mix the project, and ADN Studio (Schaerbeek) will carry out image laboratory and colour grading work.
EUROPE-C19
Produced by Tarantula Belgique (Liège), Maze Pictures (Germany) and Notorious Pictures (Italy). This film is supported by five renowned directors from five major European countries: Jaco Van Dormael (City of Brussels), Michele Placido (Italy), Michael Winterbottom (United Kingdom), Fernando Leon De Aranca (Spain) and Julia van Heinz (Italy). Five countries, five great directors, a collective documentary looking at the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe through an auteur's eyes. Five of the 10 filming days will take place in Brussels, along with most of the post-production work (30 out of 45 days). This documentary will provide work for eight technicians in Brussels and will make use of two service providers: Eye Lite (Schaerbeek) for equipment rental and Sonhouse (Koekelberg) for audio post-production.
Mirano 80, l’espace d’un rêve
Produced by Image Création (Ixelles), this documentary is directed by Thomas Purcaro Decalo (City of Brussels) and written by Luc Jabon (Rhodes-Saint-Genèse). The film lets us relive the epic story of a unique discotheque in Brussels, the MIRANO CONTINENTAL, immersing us in the 1980s’ atmosphere with its musical, visual and artistic revolution. This documentary will provide work for six technicians in Brussels and call on two service providers: Triangle 7 (Watermael) for image post-production and Chocolat Noisette (City of Brussels) for audio post-production and sound recording. Filming will take place entirely in Brussels (20 days).
Sale Pute
Produced by Kwassa Film (Forest) and directed by two women from Brussels: Myriam Leroy and Florence Hainaut. This documentary focuses on the years of harassment the two filmmakers experienced online and how they decided to sue their most abusive harasser. Through this documentary, they aim to highlight the international nature of this private yet political phenomenon. A tour of Europe sets the stage for the problem and seeks to explore potential solutions for ending to the rampant gangrene that is misogyny on the Internet. Five days of filming will take place in Brussels and the other 10 will occur around Europe. All 99 days of post-production will be carried out in Brussels, involving Chocolat Noisette (City of Brussels), Boxon (Ixelles) and XD Colorgrading (Anderlecht). The project will provide work for a Brussels-based, mostly female crew: six of the 11 crew members will be women, including five department heads.
Sticking points
Produced by Need Productions (Brussels), Minds Meet (Laeken) and De Productie (Netherlands). This documentary is directed and written by Flo Flamme (City of Brussels). Sticking Points brings the audience into the controversial world of a globally renowned pick-up artist and his followers: men whose great ambition is to master and ultimately dominate the game of male-female seduction. The guiding thread is the twin portrayal of Erik von Markovik, a melancholy Canadian, and his alter ego Mystery, an eccentric global guru of seduction.This documentary will provide work for six technicians in Brussels and involve two service providers: LUX (Etterbeek) for image post-production, and Studio l’Equipe (Evere) for mixing and sound effects.
T(w)o Work
Produced by Off World (Kokelberg) and directed by Annabel Verbeke (Schaerbeek), who also wrote the screenplay for this documentary series with Frederik Nicolai (Kokelberg). This six-part series is about newly arrived immigrants and their gruelling path to finding decent jobs in Belgium, at a time when a global crisis has shaken up the very concept of "work." Filming will take place partly in Brussels (60/150 days), as will the entirety of the post-production work (175 days). The series will make use of 15 technicians and six service providers: Chocolat Noisette (City of Brussels) for sound editing and mixing, Sonhouse (Kokelberg) for dubbing, The Fridge (Kokelberg) for image post-production, Audiosense (Evere) and Live (Schaerbeek) for sound equipment, Axis One (Evere) for camera equipment and TVs Connections (City of Brussels) for camera rental.
One virtual reality project
Letter From The Heart
Produced by Stacka (Kokelberg), Plutoon (Slovakia) and BFilm (Czech Republic). This virtual reality animation project is directed and written by Jef Dehouse (Schaerbeek), with additional writing by Kataryna Gondet (City of Brussels). An "amateur video" recorded in an animated world, Letter From The Heart is a virtual reality diary written by a mother for her unborn child.. Anna is very ill and may not live long enough to show this incredible world to her baby. That’s why she has decided to write this immersive letter. Created entirely in Brussels over 230 days and also post-produced in Brussels for 10 days, the project will provide work for about six Brussels-based technicians and will be produced at the animation studio The Fridge (Kokelberg).
Extraordinary support, including eight documentaries
The investment of an additional half-million euros has helped to support 21 projects - compared to a dozen in the past - in all formats. Along with traditional feature films, TV series and animation projects, we are also providing support for eight documentaries, most of which have strong roots in Brussels in terms of both subject and crew.
Three-quarters of the producers are from Brussels...
Out of 21 projects, 16 are being produced in Brussels: Alexandre Dumas, Commises d’office, Coyotes, Fils de.., L’enfant caché, Les engagés XAOC, Les gentils, Les Grandes Vacances, Letter from the Heart, Mirano 80, Pandas dans la brume, Saint Habib, Sale Putte, Sticking Points, T(w)o Work, Undercover 3, while 15 of the projects (i.e. 70%) have a majority of Belgian contributors.
12 Brussels-based directors behind the camera
These selected projects will involve 12 Brussels-based directors (out of a total of 31): Myriam Leroy and Florence Hainaut for Sale Putte, Cédric Bourgeos for Ronald Krump, Jaco Van Dormael for Europe C19, Stéphane Aubier for Les Grandes vacances, Flo Flamme for Sticking Points, Maarten Stuyck for Capturing the Pirate King, Joël Vanhoebroeck for Undercover 3, Annabel Verbeke for T(w)o Work, Thomas Purcaro Decaro for Mirano 80, Frank Devos for Fils de… and Léa Zilber for Commises d’office.
Return of nearly €7 million for the Brussels economy
Selected from a total of 23 candidates, the 21 projects benefiting from the investment of €1,549,000 will generate close to €10.5 million over the next few months in direct expenditure within the Brussels audiovisual industry - a return of close to €7 for each euro invested.