The directorial debut of Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont Girl in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes first reviews were very positive.
– “a mesmerising performance from Victor Polster” –Screen International
– “a much-needed film” –Variety
– “Lukas Dhont’s remarkable directorial instincts… are on display throughout and that makes one very excited about what he’ll do next.” – The Hollywood Reporter
Girl tells the story of 15-year-old Lara who wants to become a ballerina, with a classical training for female dancers. Lara is accepted in a ballet school and her dream seems closer than ever. But there is one problem: Lara was born into the body of a boy. A body that she will push to its limits in order for her to succeed.
Lukas Dhont is a young cinematographer who graduated from KASK art academy (Ghent). With his short films Corps perdu and L’infini, he has won several awards including Ghent Film Festival and Leuven International Short Film Festival, qualifying L’infini for Oscar selection in 2015. In addition to his short films, Lukas has directed several music videos, in which he displays his unique filmic style and his strong interest in visualizing themes related to youth. In 2014, Lukas was nominated for a prestigious MIA for his music video for Oscar and The Wolf’s Strange Entity.
The film is produced by Menuet (BE) in co production with Topkapi Films (NL) and Frakas Productions (BE). Girl received support from Belgium’s Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF) and the Netherlands Film Fund.
Girl is the 9th collaboration of Topkapi Films and Menuet, after previous co-productions like A Noble Intention, Belgica, Layla M. and The Broken Circle Breakdown.