Multi-award filmmaker Lukas Dhont settles at TheMerode for two evenings of intimate screenings followed by conversations with his guests. Join us for a unique croisette experience at the heart of the new Belgian scene.
As we continue our cinematic voyage on the second day, once again we will sink into the comfort of deckchairs in the conservatory, this time for an exclusive screening of Laura Wandel’s ‘Un Monde’.
In an era where the intricacies of childhood and school life are often overlooked, Laura Wandel’s 'Playground' emerges as a poignant exploration of youth, bullying, and the formation of social hierarchies. This event aims to spotlight the silent narratives of children, encouraging a deeper understanding and conversation around the themes of visibility, vulnerability, and resilience in the microcosm of a school playground.
Following the screening, the evening continues with a conversation between Lukas Dhont and Laura Wandel, bridging narratives of adolescence, friendship, and societal impact.
speaker
Lukas Dhont, an eminent Belgian film director and screenwriter, has emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary cinema. With his debut feature, 'Girl', Dhont received global acclaim, capturing the Caméra d'Or and the Queer Palm at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. His storytelling bravely tackles themes of identity, transformation, and the complexities of adolescence. His second film, 'Close', continued his exploration of intimate human experiences, earning the Grand Prix at the 2022 Cannes Festival and an Academy Award nomination. Dhont’s films challenge and inspire, making him a significant figure in international cinema.
speaker
Belgian screenwriter and director Laura Wandel trained at the Institut des Arts de Diffusion (IAD). She then worked on numerous shoots as a stage manager, costume designer and set designer, exploring the various trades involved in making a film. In 2010, she co-directed the short film O Négatif with Gaëtan D'Agostino, before going on to direct Les Corps étrangers on her own, which was selected in the Short Film Competition at the Cannes Festival in 2014. She returned in 2021 with her first feature film, Un monde, in the Official Selection in the Un Certain Regard section, where it won the FIPRESCI prize. Selected as one of the 15 films shortlisted for the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, Un monde won seven awards in Belgium at the Magritte du Cinéma. She is currently working on her second feature film.
