02/09/2008

The Works International is pinning its hopes on two promising Belgian films for its international sales catalogue. First up is Fien Troch’s The Unspoken – unveiled this week at Toronto and opening next week in Spain – is expected to draw interest from festivals and European film lovers alike.

Troch first attracted attention on the international scene in 2005 with her debut film Someone Else’s Happiness [+see also:
trailer
film profile]. She is also one of the few directors to have had two films selected by the Zabaltegi New Directors Competition at the San Sebastian Film Festival. Of Flemish origin, Troch chose to direct her second film in French after meeting with the actor Bruno Todeschini at the Cannes Cinéfondation workshop. Alongside Emmanuelle Devos, he plays a couple whose teenage daughter reappears after a five-year disappearance.

The film – a perfect example of Belgian co-operation – is being produced by Antonino Lombardo for Prime Time (Flanders), and co-produced by Versus Production (Wallonia) and Motel Films (the Netherlands). Domestic release is scheduled for early 2009 through Cinéart.

The Works’ other choice pick is the second film by Erik Van Looy, director of the phenomenally successful Someone Else's Happiness [+see also:
trailer
film profile]. After some years out of the limelight, resisting the Hollywood sirens and improvising as a television presenter, Van Looy is back with Loft, a thriller evoking a cross between Wilder’s The Apartment, and Singer’s The Usual Suspects. Van Looy has left MMG productions, but is still working for its producer, Hilde De Laere, for the company Woestijnvis, which is now turning its hand to film production after success on the small screen.

The €3.5m title was wholly financed by the Flanders region, with support from the VAF, tax shelter funding, a minimum guarantee from its distributor, television presales, and investment from producers. Loft opens on Belgian screens on October 22.

With its cast featuring a number of rising Flemish stars, Loft is expected to be as successful as The Alzheimer Case.

(Translated from French)