Valentijn Dhaenens
Birthday: 1976-11-28 Place of Birth: Gent, Flanders, Belgium
Synopsis
Acting
Becoming Mona
Life is what happens when you stop living for others and start living for yourself. This poignant tragicomic journey of courage follows Mona from early childhood, when she is inculcated to be a quiet, obedient presence in the world. She blossoms into a talented young artist, but years of repressing her feelings have impaired her emotionally, binding her to unhealthy relationships at work and at home. Still, there is a fierce, independent spirit that lies inside her, waiting to be liberated. Assured direction coaxes flawless, seamlessly connected performances from actresses Tanya Zabarylo and Olivia Landuyt in the title role as a young woman and young girl respectively.
Gina & Chantal
In a chic residential area, the contrast between Gina, the wife of the wealthy businessman Mark, and her cleaning lady Chantal, cannot be greater. Gina and her villa neighborhood girlfriends Nicky and Eve enjoy "the good life" to the full, while Chantal is in debt and has a hard time making ends meet. Behind the beautiful facades of the residential area, however, there is a secret that is not allowed to see the daylight. A secret that even the women are unaware of.
The Misfortunates
13-year-old Gunther Strobbe grows up surrounded by alcohol, trash and his completely useless father and uncles. Slowly but surely, he's being prepared for the same hapless life. Can he defy his destiny?
