REAL FACES (2025) by Leni Huyghe
Drama 92' BE Dutch Flemish French Language

Festivals WP - Global SXSW 2025


An ambitious casting agent, relocates to Brussels after a breakup and forms an unexpected kinship that inspires her to break free from societal expectations.

Julia (Leonie Buysse), an ambitious casting director, moves to Brussels and finds a freelance job in the advertising industry and meets Eliott (Gorges Ocloo), a reclused microbiologist who studies lichen and works on his PhD. Intrigued by each other’s opposing professions and personalities, Julia and Eliott slowly grow closer. Julia gets assigned an important perfume ad and she sees it as the ultimate opportunity to prove herself. After her frantic long working days, Eliott is her only source of tranquility. Until Julia loses herself and crosses people’s boundaries, including Eliott’s. During the perfume ad shoot, things spiral out of control, pushing Julia to finally decide to take her life in her own hands.


"Vibrant examination of identity"

- Hammer to Nail


"Explores the boundaries of authenticity"

- Austin Chronicle


"Refreshing take on staring down the crossroads."

- Screen Zealots


Director:

Leni Huyghe


Producer:

Elisa Heene


Screenwriter:

Leni Huyghe, Vincent Vanneste


Cinematographer:

Grimm Vandekerckhove


Editor:

Tom Denoyette


Production Designer:

Natalia Treviño


Sound Designer:

Aïda Merghoub


Music:

Natasha Pirard, LB Marszalek


Principal Cast:

Leonie Buysse, Gorges Ocloo, Joely Mbundu, Yoann Blanc, Karlijn Sileghem


Additional Credits:

Co-producer: Julie Esparbes, Line Producer: Liesbet Vaes, Line Producer: Brechje Depourcq, 1 AD: Nathan Naenen, Sound on Set: Calixte De Coster, Costume: Alexandra Sebbag