Short Film by Charlotte Verminck (25) from Knokke-Heist Selected for Beverly Hills Film Festival: “What an Honor”
- Media
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Filmmaker Charlotte Verminck (25), born and raised in Knokke-Heist, is taking an important step in her career. Her psychological short film Mind of Thoughts has been officially selected for the Beverly Hills Film Festival (BHFF) and will celebrate its Hollywood premiere on Friday, April 4 at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, an iconic venue within the American film industry. “The fact that my first film is premiering there is truly unbelievable,” beams Charlotte.
Bart Huysentruyt, Mathias Mariën for HLN | 19-03-25
Local Roots
Although the film will soon be shown in Hollywood, its roots lie in Knokke-Heist. MAAK Open House for the Arts supported the production by supplying props, and visual artist and teacher Inge D’Hulster created a special artwork that plays a symbolic role in the film.
Another key connection is choreographer Rebecca De Kempe, who was responsible for the expressive movement language in the film. Charlotte and Rebecca were classmates for several years in Knokke-Heist and have now combined their talents to make internal struggle visible through choreography.
“The fact that my first film is premiering in Hollywood is an unbelievable honor,” says Charlotte. “Equally special is the support I received from my hometown and its creative spirits. This project was made possible by the place where I grew up.”
“The support I received from both Knokke-Heist and Bruges means so much.”
Bruges Connection
Another special link with the region: part of the film was shot at the Grand Hotel Casselbergh in Bruges. HLN was there during the shoot and captured exclusive images.
“Several crucial scenes were filmed at the hotel,” says Charlotte. “The support I received from both Knokke-Heist and Bruges means so much. Making a film is a collaboration, and I’m grateful I could count on the talent and passion of these regions.”
Independent International Production
The film was entirely independently produced and shot across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, with a diverse cast and crew of over 50 people from eight countries across four continents. Charlotte not only directed but also produced and edited the film herself.
Her journey shows how a filmmaker—without traditional production support—can realize a film based on a personal and artistic vision, one that is now internationally recognized.
Internal Struggle
Mind of Thoughts is a psychological drama about the internal battle many people fight in silence. The film follows a young artist who becomes trapped in her own thoughts, where self-doubt and fear begin to distort her reality.
The more she tries to control her thoughts, the more they turn against her. What makes this film unique is how mental struggle is expressed physically. Instead of traditional dialogue, Mind of Thoughts uses choreography and movement to visualize the emotions of the protagonist.
The main role is played by Brienne Mizell, who performed at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver 2010 and Rio 2016, and has previously worked with companies like Cirque du Soleil, Hetpaleis, Thuis, Too Much to Tango, and Le Grand Cirque.
Also in Reims
The film will also be shown on Sunday, April 6 at the iconic Beverly Hilton International Ballroom, the legendary location of the Golden Globes and the Oscars Luncheon.
In addition to its selection for the Beverly Hills Film Festival, Charlotte Verminck has also been nominated for Best Debut Director at the Red Movie Awards in Reims, France (May 24) - a sign that her talent is also being recognized across Europe.
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