CLOSE: Narrative Competition Award Winner
Narrative Feature | 104 minutes

HIFF 2022

 Narrative Competition

Directed by
Lukas Dhont

Produced by
Michiel Dhont, Dirk Impens

Written by
Lukas Dhont, Angelo Tijssens

2022 | French | Belgium/Netherlands/France

Sunday night, join us for an encore screening of CLOSE, the Jury winner for Best Narrative Feature Film.

Thirteen-year-old boys Léo (Eden Dambrine) and Rémi (Gustav De Waele) share an intense bond, but as their intimacy comes under scrutiny, their friendship fractures. In the aftermath, Léo builds his own sense of self while seeking answers from Remi’s mother, Sophie (Émilie Dequenne). In his brilliantly crafted sophomore feature, Belgian director Lukas Dhont delivers a visually rich, heartbreaking exploration of intimacy, shame, and responsibility. Featuring breakout performances from its young stars and set against the stunning backdrop of the Belgian countryside, CLOSE was one of the most talked-about films at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the festival’s Grand Prix. This A24 release is Belgium’s official selection for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards.