NO!SE – A film born out of friendship, driven by passion.

 

 

 

Statement by director Karel Duyck:

 

 

 

NO!SE is my very first film project. What began as a small, personal gesture for a close friend unexpectedly grew into a feature-length film with a much deeper meaning.

 

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The story began with my friendship with musician Stephan Galon, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) only at an advanced stage. For his final musical performance, Stephan dreamt of a music video for his song ‘Buenos Aires’, featuring a dancer in the leading role. As a surprise, I produced that video featuring dancer Helena De Graeve and actor Kurt Velghe, at the impressive location of Transfo Zwevegem, a former power station.

 

 

 

When I later watched the footage again, I felt there was more to it. Driven by my passion for film, the idea arose to develop the story further. What began as a music video eventually evolved, via a short film, into NO!SE, my first feature film.

 

With NO!SE, I wanted to tell more than just the story of an illness. The film shows how MS can radically change not only the patient’s life, but also that of an entire family. It shows how love, vulnerability and loss become intertwined, but also how people find the strength to carry on, despite everything.

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In addition, NO!SE touches on a second, often hushed-up theme: sexual abuse. During my final years with the federal police, where I worked in the Federal Cybercrime Unit, I was confronted with child abuse at close quarters.

Because someone very dear to me has also experienced this, I could not – and did not want to – ignore this theme.

Isabella’s struggle to face her past and seek justice is therefore inspired by a true story. It is a story of courage, recognition and breaking the silence.

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Amidst these profound events stands Marie-Hélène, a girl who wants nothing more than to dance. Her dreams and determination form the beating heart of the film. In NO!SE, dance becomes a symbol of freedom, resilience and hope.

 

For even when illness, trauma and loss cast a shadow over life, there remains room to dream.

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What makes NO!SE particularly special to me is the way the film came about. Without a big budget or a professional studio, but thanks to the boundless dedication of an enthusiastic cast, crew, extras and musicians who volunteered their time for this project.

With limited financial support and, above all, a great deal of goodwill, NO!SE grew into what it is today.

The fact that we were able to make this film in our own region, with Kortrijk and its unique locations as the backdrop, makes it all the more special.

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I am therefore sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed to this project. Without their trust, enthusiasm and commitment, NO!SE would never have been possible.

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With NO!SE, I didn’t want to make an obvious film, but rather a film that matters. A film that moves people, raises questions and makes them think. If this story helps someone receive a diagnosis sooner, helps a victim find the courage to speak out, or helps break a taboo, then I will have achieved my goal.

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Karel Duyck

Director of NO!SE