On Sunday, December 1, the prestigious VAF Wildcards were awarded at Kortfilmfestival Leuven, marking a significant moment in the Belgian film industry. With a total prize pool exceeding 200,000 euros, these are the most substantial film awards presented in Belgium. The VAF Wildcards celebrate the most promising final works of master students from Flemish film schools, with specialized juries selecting talents in categories like fiction, documentary, animation, filmlab, and scenario.

This year, the event took on a fresh approach with the introduction of Booster Cards, replacing honorable mentions. Under the banner of VAF Next Generation, young filmmakers not only receive VAF Wildcards but also stand a chance to win a Booster Card, offering media training, workshops, and advisory support from VAF.

The winners of this edition include “Tussen oud en nieuw / entre deux” by Jasmine Issa (Fiction), “JUDY1964” by Marie-Hélène van Thuyne (Animation), “Tijgerstrepen” by Florence Boone (Documentary), “Touch Me With Your Eyes” by Anaïs Kabore (Filmlab), and “Zacht” by Manon Poelman for the VAF Wildcard Scenario.

The winning films will be showcased during the VAF Wildcard Winners screenings on Wednesday, December 4, at 7:15 pm or Sunday, December 8, at 10 am.

Dalton Distribution will later bring the winning films to cinemas with the Wildcards on Tour program. These films will be presented as a curated program from January to May 2025 in theaters like Cinema ZED Leuven and Hasselt, Sphinx Cinema in Gent, Netwerk Aalst, CC Strombeek, and De Cinema Antwerpen. Moreover, the VAF Wildcards will feature at the Brussels Short Film Festival and Film Festival Oostende.

VAF Wildcard Winners:

VAF Wildcard Fictie: €60,000

The VAF Wildcard for Fiction was awarded to “Tussen oud en nieuw / entre deux” by Jasmine Issa from LUCA School of Arts. The jury recognized several standout submissions and decided to present two Booster Cards in this category to UPPE… Read More

VAF Wildcard Animatie: €60,000

The VAF Wildcard for Animation was granted to “JUDY1964” by Marie-Hélène Van Thuyne from RITCS School of Arts. The jury also awarded a Booster Card to Canned by Hasse Van Overbeke from RITCS School of Arts. Read More

VAF Wildcard Documentaire: €40,000

The VAF Wildcard for Documentary went to “Tijgerstrepen” by Florence Boone from RITCS School of Arts. Additionally, the jury presented a Booster Card to “Nooit Rust” by Céline Schauvliege from RITCS School of Arts. Read More

VAF Wildcard FilmLab: €40,000

The VAF Wildcard for Filmlab 2024 was awarded to “Touch Me With Your Eyes” by Anaïs Kabore from KASK School of Arts. The jury also granted a Booster Card to “Sleeping sun rise” by Sofie Roelants from KASK School of Arts. Read More

Wildcard Scenario: €6,000

The VAF Wildcard for Scenario went to Manon Poelman for “Zacht,” a filmscenario from RITCS School of Arts. Read More

Conclusion:

The VAF Wildcard Winners at Kortfilmfestival Leuven showcase the incredible talent and creativity emerging from the Flemish film schools. These awards not only recognize the hard work and dedication of young filmmakers but also provide them with valuable opportunities to further hone their skills and pursue their passion for storytelling.

FAQs:

1. What are the VAF Wildcards?
The VAF Wildcards are prestigious film awards presented in Belgium to celebrate the most promising final works of master students from Flemish film schools.

2. What is the significance of the Booster Cards?
The Booster Cards offer young filmmakers additional support in the form of media training, workshops, and advisory services to help them further develop their skills and careers.

3. Where can the winning films be seen?
The winning films will be showcased during the VAF Wildcard Winners screenings at various venues and will also be part of the Wildcards on Tour program in cinemas.

4. How were the winners selected?
Specialized juries in different categories, such as fiction, documentary, animation, filmlab, and scenario, carefully reviewed and chose the most promising talents from the submissions.

5. What is the prize associated with each VAF Wildcard category?
The prize amounts vary for each category, with the VAF Wildcard Fiction and Animation awarding €60,000 each, while Documentary and Filmlab offer €40,000 each, and Scenario provides €6,000.

6. Who were the members of the jury for each category?
The juries consisted of industry experts and professionals in the respective fields, ensuring a fair and thorough selection process.

7. What opportunities do the VAF Wildcard winners have after receiving the award?
Winners not only receive financial support but also gain exposure, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase their work at various film festivals and events.

8. How can aspiring filmmakers apply for the VAF Wildcards?
Information on eligibility criteria and the application process for the VAF Wildcards can be found on the official VAF website.

9. What impact do the VAF Wildcards have on the Belgian film industry?
The VAF Wildcards play a crucial role in nurturing and promoting emerging talent, contributing to the growth and diversity of the Belgian film landscape.

10. How can audiences support the VAF Wildcard winners?
By attending screenings, sharing their work on social media, and spreading the word about these talented filmmakers, audiences can help elevate and celebrate their success.