Actress Annick Van Couwenberghe has pursued several projects. She starred in the hit TV series Vloglab #Stories and Billie vs. Benjamin. More recently, she participated in episodes of Move On, on air on Vtm Go, and tv series Dertigers, which aired on VRT1 and VRTMAX and whose online version has received millions of views.
You’ll be at the Venice Film Festival. What are your plans for the Festival?
Well, it’s the first time for me at the Venice Film Festival, so it’s a discovery of the festival and it’s activities first of all. I definitely will do some screenings, I hope to catch the new Jay Kelly-movie by Noah Baumbach with George Clooney and Adam Sandler which seems interesting. As well as the new Italian movie La Grazia by Paolo Sorrentino. Also looking forward to discover the Venice Production Bridge. They offer interesting panel talks on what’s moving in the industry and I’m particularly interested in finding out more about the current funding climate as I’m about to pitch the new feature film I wrote together with Trees Goethals, my scriptwriting partner.
Do you already have any events scheduled?
I’ve got a few panel talks on my agenda and as soon as the industry ticketing starts, I’m going to see how everything fits into my agenda as getting tickets for the screenings or events you want is not always easy at the big Film Festivals. And I don’t have experience yet with the Venice ticketing behavior. I remember in Berlin that tickets get booked really really fast, but during the day people often release their tickets because of overlaps so you have to keep your phone by hand at all times to be flexible in changing your plans on the spot. Luckily in Venice all the venues are closer together, at walking distance most of the time, that makes re-scheduling easier. And Venice is such an interesting place to be, so if I do get some unexpected free time I will just go for a walk. I love walking around in cities, I can walk for hours and enjoy the architecture, the vibe of the city and when it’s warm (which it definitely will be) enjoy a fresh drink and watch the city’s dynamic from a nice terrace. Who knows who you might meet ? That’s also what I love about Film Festivals, you always meet new interesting people at the most unexpected times. I’m still relatively new to this industry and every encounter with professionals gives me new insights on finding my way in it.
Do you think festivals are a great way to network? You’ve also been to Berlin and Cannes: what other festivals will you be attending?
Yes, definitely ! I’m not a skilled active networker, but at Film Festivals this seems to go naturally. Everybody is there with the goal to connect, everybody is happy to talk to you, is interested what you are doing and open to talk about what they are doing. I love that vibe. Film Festivals are addictive in a way, giving you the feeling of “belonging” and “connecting”. So of course I have other Festivals planned, haha ! In October I’ll be attending the Film Festival in Gent, in my own country Belgium and I hope I can also attend the Movielife Festival In Terni, Italy beginning of October. Those will be the last ones this year but I’ve already fixed my flights and hotel for the Cannes Film Festival next year. Like I said, Film Festivals are addictive.
The final season of tv series “Dertigers” will air on national television in September. Why do you think it was so successful?
“Dertigers” is about people you can relate to. The situations are of course extremer than in real life, but still recognisable. It’s drama with lots of humour in it. Which makes the viewer understand what the characters are going through and feel connected with them. I’m sure everybody has at least two or more people in their direct environment that behave like one of the characters in the series, a friend, a neighbour, a colleague,… The characters go through some painful stuff sometimes but always with some comic relief which makes the viewer relate, laugh it off and be happy that all that’s not happening to them. My character, Agnes, is in this final season definitely a recognisable character. Someone you can picture in your own life. She can be pretty annoying, but luckily she’s one of the characters who balances the drama into the funny side of things. That’s what made it so much fun for me to bring Agnes to life.
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.