Belgica

by Felix van Groeningen

Belgica

Synopsis

Belgica tells the story of Jo and Frank, two brothers. As is often the case with brothers, they are very different. Jo, twentysomething, is not very tall and can only see through one eye. He once had artistic ambitions, but his love for music eventually made him start a bar called Belgica. Frank is several years older and the big brother on all levels. He is a man of many plans who always gives himself the full hundred percent. He is about to become father for the second time, has a car dealership and wants to build his own house. Yet Frank is still unhappy with his predictable life. When Frank visits Jo’s bar, the brothers reconnect with each other. It is quickly decided that Frank will come and help Jo out at the Belgica. Jo appreciates the help, because the hard bar life demands a lot. Frank, for his part, is revived by the rock 'n roll of nightlife. In a few weeks time, Jo and Frank turn the Belgica into the hot spot of nightlife. They are the golden duo and for a while, the sky seems the limit. But night life is an addictive trip and the world keeps on spinning.

Director

Felix van Groeningen (*1977) graduated with a
Master Audiovisual Arts from the KA SK in Ghent
in 2000 with his short movie 50 CC. After being
involved in some theatre pieces (as both director
and actor), Felix decisively chose to return to his
first love: making films. Together with producer Dirk
Impens of production house Menuet, Felix has so
far directed five feature films.

International recognition came with the premiere
of his third feature The Misfortunates which
was selected in Cannes in 2009 for the Directors'
Fortnight, and especially with the follow up The
Bro ken Circle Breakdown, for which he
obtained an Oscar Nomination for Best Foreign
Language Film.

Filmography as a writer-director:
2016 BELGICA
2012 THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN
2009 THE MISFORTUNATES
2007 WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE
2004 STEVE + SKY
2001 BONJOUR MAMAN (short)
2000 50 CC (short)
1999 TRUTH OR DARE (short)

 

Cast

Jo - Stef Aerts
Frank - Tom Vermeir
Marieke - Hélène Devos
Isabelle - Charlotte Vandermeersch

Crew

Director Felix van Groeningen
Screenplay Arne Sierens, Felix van Groeningen
Director Of Photography Ruben Impens
Editing Nico Leunen
Music Soul Wax
Producer Dirk Impens
Coproducers Francis Boespflug, Stéphane Parthenay, Frans Van Gestel, Arnold Heslenfeld, Laurette Schillings
Art Director Kurt Rigolle
Costume Design Ann Lauwerys
Make Up & Hair Diana Dreesen
Sound Jan Deca
Sound Design Michel Schöpping

Technical Data

Format: DCP / color / 2.35:1 / 5.1 Dolby Digital
Length: 126 min.
Original language: Flemish

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