Oscar-nommed “Broken Circle Breakdown” helmer to direct “Belgica”

PanARMENIAN.Net - Felix van Groeningen’s follow-up to Oscar-nominated “The Broken Circle Breakdown” will be “Belgica,” a drama starring Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts and Stef Aerts, production company Menuet announced, according to Variety.

The film will be produced by Menuet in co-production with Topkapi and Pyramide Productions. Van Groeningen will reteam with “Broken Circle Breakdown” collaborators including producer Dirk Impens, d.p. Ruben Impens and editor Nico Leunen. Principal photography begins in the fall in Belgium.

The upcoming drama follows two brothers who start a bar and get swept up in its success in the midst of Belgium’s nightlife scene. Van Groeningen completed the script with “With Friends Like These” co-writer Arne Sierens.

“I’m excited to soon be working with such talented actors,” said Van Groeningen in a statement. “Between the start of ‘Belgica’ and the possibility of ‘The Broken Circle Breakdown’ bringing Belgium its first Oscar, this is a very exciting year.”

“Belgica” will mark Van Groeningen’s fifth feature film. “The Broken Circle Breakdown” is nominated for the foreign language Oscar and won prizes at Berlin, Palm Springs and Tribeca film fests.