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.
Cast
Frank : Tom Vermeir
Jo : Stef Aerts
Marieke : Hélène Devos
Isabelle : Charlotte Vandermeersch
Davy Coppens : Boris Van Severen
Nikki : Sara De Bosschere
Manu Dewaey : Dominique Van Malder
Angry customer : Sam Louwyck
Ferre : Stefaan De Winter
Rudy Rasta : Silvanus Saow
Crew
A film by Felix Van Groeningen
Produced by Dirk Impens
Screenplay : Arne Sierens, Felix Van Groeningen
Photography : Ruben Impens
Editing : Nico Leunen
Original Score : Soulwax
Coproduced by Francis Boespflug, Stéphane Parthenay, Frans Van Gestel, Arnold Heslenfeld, Laurette Schillings
Associate producers : Hans Everaert, Alberte Gautot, Rudy Verzyck
Set : Kurt Rigolle
Costumes : Ann Lauwerys
Make-up artist, hairdresser : Diana Dreesen
Sound : Jan Deca
Sound mixing : Michel Schöpping
Production manager : Johan Van Den Driessche
1st ad : Sofie Tusschans
Location manager : Tomas Coppejans
Production information
A Menuet, Pyramide Productions & Topkapi Films production
In coproduction with France 3 Cinéma
With the support of the Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds (VAF), Screen Flanders & Agentschap Ondernemen, Nederlands Filmfonds, L’Aide aux Cinémas du Monde - Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image animée - Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et du Développement International – Institut Français, Eurimages, De Tax Shelter Maatregel van de Belgische Federale Overheid, Casa Kafka Pictures
With the participation of Kinepolis Film Distribution, Lumière Publishing, Proximus, Medialaan, France Télévisions, Canal+, Ciné+
Technical information
Belgium - France - Netherlands
Year of production: 2015
Length: 127 mn
Festivals and awards
Official Selection Sundance 2016 - World Cinema: Best Director