ANNABEL VERBEKE
documentary filmmaker

Ever since I was a child, I loved observing people. I spent a lot of time watching them, trying to understand their gestures and the stories that they were telling.
It didn’t take long before I realised that, what they were saying, did not always match the reality they were living.

For me, the revelation of a story, is not found in the words people speak, but in the small details and gestures that bring hidden aspect of the seemingly common daily life to the surface.

Therefore, in my film making, I always seek to look and listen to what people are trying to express but cannot put easily put into words.
My observational and essayistic film making style, focuses on unknown and unacknowledged stories in the reality that surrounds us all; exploring themes such as childhood, identity, memory, nostalgia and transience.

I have been working as a freelancer for several broadcasting and production companies the past few years, where I was directing commissioned documentary films, series and tv-programmes, which have been broadcast on EEN, CANVAS, PLAY4, VTM, VTM2.

I also work on commission for various social and cultural organizations.
One of the latest projects was a collaboration with Zonzo company and Oper am Rhein.

I do not believe that a film originates from the creative mind of a single filmmaker, but that the best possible result, is the one of the exchange of knowhow, ideas and experience of exquisite talents. Moreover, working with international like-minded souls brings our projects to a transnational level. For many years I have worked with crew members from different backgrounds to make universal films.

Besides, I like to share my experiences with young filmmakers and new voices, so they can overcome challenges that I had to endure, hoping to bridge the gap a bit more for the next generation. As from autumn 2022, I joined the DocNomads curriculum, as a creative tutor for students during their graduation filmmaking process.

I am also currently guiding a young filmmaker in the creative process of making her first film, for which she received a Wildcard.
I accompany her with the support of the Flemish Audiovisual Fund.

I am always open to collaborations with creatives, whether it is a short- or long-term project.
You can also book me as a guest lecturer.