The 41st edition of Film Fest Gent has kicked off on Tuesday evening. The world premiere of Erik Van Looy's 'The Loft', a Hollywood remake of the most successful Belgian film ever, opened the festival. The film was introduced in the presence of Erik Van Looy (director) and Bart De Pauw (creator), as well as the Australian actresses Rachael Taylor and Isabel Lucas, who came to Ghent to attend the premiere. The screening of the film was preceded by 'The Education', a short by Klaartje Schrijvers.
A lot of famous faces appeared on the red carpet. Among the 2300 invited guest were jury president Bret Easton Ellis and jury members Héloïse Godet and Patrice Toye. Other distinguished attendees were short film jury member Kim Hertogs and Valentijn Dhaenens. His Royal Highness, Belgian Prince Laurent also attended the opening of this 41st edition. Furthermore, the opening ceremony was attended by Flemish Minister of Culture Sven Gatz and the mayor of Ghent, Daniël Termont.
In the days to come, many directors and actors will be presenting their film at Film Fest Gent. Pieter Van Hees ('Waste Land'), Bas Devos ('Violet') and Gust Van den Berghe ('Lucifer'), as well as Canadian director Atom Egoyan who will present his two feature films 'The Captive' and 'Devil’s Knot'. French director François Ozon will also be introducing his sixteenth feature film 'Une nouvelle amie' at Film Fest Gent.
