Film Fest Gent awards director of Julie Zwijgt and honours Palestinian filmmaker
Leonardo van Dijl, director of Julie Zwijgt (Julie Keeps Quiet), won the prestigious Jo Röpcke Award at Film Fest Gent on Sunday. The award, presented by Knack magazine, recognises filmmakers who have made a significant contribution to Flemish cinema.
Van Dijl received the honour for his debut feature film, a psychodrama that explores themes of transgressive behaviour and abuse through the story of a young tennis player who remains silent after her coach is discredited. The film was previously recognised at the Semaine de la Critique in Cannes and was selected as Belgium’s entry for the Oscars.
Dave Mestdach, film editor for Knack Focus, praised Julie Zwijgt for its "mature and powerful style" in addressing sensitive topics. Van Dijl expressed his gratitude during the award ceremony, recalling his youthful admiration for the magazine.
Brussels-based Palestinian filmmaker Michel Khleifi received the Joseph Plateau Honorary Award. Khleifi, known for blending documentary and narrative elements in his work, was praised by the jury for having "the courage to speak out when others remain silent".
His retrospective, which included Fertile Memory and Noce en Galilée, reflected on the complexities of the Palestinian experience. Following the screenings, Khleifi participated in a Director's Talk, where he discussed the key milestones of his career.
#FlandersNewsService | Leonardo van Dijl © BELGA PHOTO TIMON RAMBOER
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