24/06/2003

The summer of 2003 appears to have galvanized Flemish film production. The pride and satisfaction of the Vlaams Audiovisual Fund (VAF) was clear to see when they announced a spate of new Flemish titles following a fallow and frankly disappointing start to the year.
Eric Van Looy wrapped production work on De Zaak Alzheimer last weekend on location in Antwerp while Jan Verheyen’s latest feature entitled Team Spirit II and starring Tom Van Landuyt and Michael Pas is about to hit numerous Flemish venues. Produced by Dirk Impens, the cast also includes Titus Devoodgt, Defline Bafort and Sam Louwyck, whom Belgian audiences can see in action in the cult Anyway the Wind Blows, currently on general release.

Four eagerly awaited first features are also scheduled for this summer. Top of the list is De zusjes Kriegel by Dirk Beliën. He also directed a short film entitled Fait d’Hiver which was nominated for an Oscar this year. The line up also includes Wayn Traub’s Maria Dolores which heralds Bart Van Langendonck’s (CCCP) entry into the film production arena. Actress Hilde Van Mieghem will make her directorial debut with De Kus, produced by Michel Houdmont of Signature Films while Pieter Van Hees will direct Connected, produced by Tharsi Vanhuysse of Acasa Esana. Rudi Van Den Bossche (Olivetti 81) is to direct De Duitsere Diamant.

(Translated from French)