Provence (2018)

Directed by: Kato De Boeck | 22 minutes | short film, drama | Actors: Laime De Paep, Pelle Adriaenssens, Otis Domen, Talitha de Boer, Jente Van Den Brenk

In the Flemish short film ‘Provence’, 11-year-old Camille stands on the boundary between being a child and an adolescent, which has already been discussed in many films and books. As the middle of a family, both sides literally demand her attention: her younger brother sees her as a permanent playmate, but her bond with her brother Tuur, four years older, is closer. At a campsite in French Provence, Camille learns that her future won’t always be the same. Two Dutch teenage girls find Tuur’s presence very interesting. When Tuur increasingly chooses their company instead of Camille’s, jealousy sets in.

‘Provence’ by Kato de Boeck is a beautifully subtle portrait of the love between brother and sister, the road to adulthood and puppy love. With warm colors and fine details, this young filmmaker manages to capture the lethargy of the summer holidays. Filmed close to the skin and acted naturally by the young cast (the parents remain out of the picture), Camille’s step makes a big impression. Often in these kinds of coming-of-age films there is talk of ‘the loss of childhood innocence’, but in Camille’s case it is also really clear that her childhood has ended after this holiday. She looks to the future with an open mind and the confidence that she and her brother will remain connected forever. Very nice.