Julie Keeps Quiet

FAST FORWARD 2024 / Projections:
13/12/2024 / 19h30 / Montenegrin Cinematheque / Podgorica


Leonardo Van Dijl / Belgium, Sweden / 97’

Director: Leonardo Van Dijl
Screenplay: Ruth Becquart, Leonardo Van Dijl
Music: Caroline Shaw
Editors: Bert Jacobs, Ludo Troch

SYNOPSIS

Julie is a silent teenager, shy in every aspect except on the tennis court, where she is a true, undefeated star. Julie stays quiet about everything, especially about things that directly concern her. She stayed silent when her teachers at school encouraged her to speak up when she was struggling academically. Then she stayed silent when the club management begged her to speak up during the investigation against the long-time coach. The film masterfully depicts the inner state of a child with a problem. It highlights the small details we sometimes fail to notice, harmless questions that actually provide answers, but most importantly, it emphasizes the trust and time children need to open up. We all have inner demons, but sometimes, a child’s demons are even bigger than ours.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leonardo van Dijl is a writer and director based in Belgium. His short film Stephanie (2020) was selected for the Official Competition of Cannes, San Sebastian, and Tiff as well as over 150 other film festivals where it received various national and international awards. Leonardo’s feature debut Julie Keeps Quiet is a co-production between De Wereldvrede, Les Films du Fleuve, Hobab, and Film i Väst.

FESTIVALS AND AWARDS

  • Cannes Film Festival 2024
  • Toronto International Film Festival 2024
  • BFI London Film Festival 2024
  • Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2024
  • Vancouver International Film Festival 2024
  • Ghent Film Festival 2024
  • Melbourne International Film Festival 2024
  • Busan International Film Festival 2024
  • Thessaloniki Film Festival 2024
  • Hamburg Film Festival 2024
  • Sarajevo Film Festival 2024
  • New Horizons International Film Festival 2024
  • Alice nella Città 2024
  • Hamptons International Film Festival 2024