Venice – July 25, 2023: Fien Troch’s ‘Holly’ secures an invitation to compete in the Official Competition of the 80th Venice International Film Festival.
Belgian filmmaker Fien Troch returns to the grand stage of the 80th Venice Film Festival with her fifth feature, ‘HOLLY’, a compelling exploration of faith, human connection, and the complexities of life. Produced by Prime Time and Mirage in collaboration with renowned entities such as Les Films du Fleuve, Tarantula, Topkapi, tabski film, and Agat Films, this highly anticipated film promises to captivate audiences with its powerful narrative.
The movie centers around 15-year-old Holly, who mysteriously decides to skip school on a fateful day. Tragedy strikes when a fire breaks out at the school, claiming the lives of several students. In the aftermath, the grieving community comes together in an attempt to heal. Anna, a compassionate teacher intrigued by Holly’s strange premonition, extends an invitation for the young girl to join her volunteering group. Remarkably, Holly’s presence seems to have an uncanny effect on the people she encounters, offering them solace, warmth, and hope. However, as more individuals seek out Holly and her cathartic energy, the burden on the young girl intensifies.
Director Fien Troch expressed her excitement about premiering ‘Holly’ at the esteemed Venice Film Festival, noting the festival’s significance in her filmmaking journey. Troch’s previous work, ‘Home,’ earned her the Best Director award at the Orizzonti competition in Venice back in 2016, and she believes that Venice remains the perfect starting point for ‘Holly’s’ international acclaim.
In ‘Holly,’ Troch continues to explore her distinctive universe, delving into the intricacies of the human psyche and the absurdities of everyday life with a blend of humor and delicate vulnerability. The film features a talented cast of newcomers, including Cathalina Geeraerts and Felix Heremans, along with Greet Verstraete, Els Deceukelier, Serdi Faki Alici, and Robbie Cleiren. With Frank van den Eeden as the Director of Photography, Nico Leunen as the film’s editor, and Johnny Jewel composing the score, the creative team behind ‘Holly’ promises an immersive cinematic experience.
Fien Troch’s filmmaking journey began in 2000 when she graduated from the prestigious film department of Sint Lukas in Brussels, later returning as a teacher. Her debut feature, ‘Someone else’s happiness’ (2005), received recognition as the Official Belgian Oscar entry that year. Troch’s subsequent works, ‘Unspoken’ (2008) and ‘Kid’ (2012), garnered accolades at various film festivals. Her previous film, ‘Home,’ earned her the Audience Prize at Film Fest Gent and the Director’s Award at the Venice Film Festival.
Produced by Antonino Lombardo for Prime Time and Elisa Heene for Mirage, in collaboration with Les Films Du Fleuve, Tarantula, Topkapi, tabiki film, and Agat Films, ‘Holly’ received vital support from the Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF), Centre du cinéma et de l’audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the Netherlands Film Fund and the Netherlands Production Incentive, Luxembourg Film Fund, Streamz, and VOO BeTV. Casa Kafka’s financing through the Belgian Tax Shelter measure made the film possible. Cinéart will handle the release of ‘Holly’ in the Benelux region, while mk2 films secured international distribution rights.
As the 80th Venice Film Festival approaches, anticipation mounts for the unveiling of ‘Holly,’ and film enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to immerse themselves in Fien Troch’s thought-provoking and emotive storytelling.
