“This is an unbelievable honor”: Charlotte Verminck from Knokke-Heist to Hollywood with psychological short film
- Media
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 22
By Hannes Hosten for KW | March 19, 2025 - 10:36 - Updated at: 10:46
“Although the film will soon be shown in Hollywood, its roots lie in Knokke-Heist,” says Charlotte Verminck. “MAAK Open Huis voor Kunsten supported the production by providing film props, and visual artist and teacher Inge D’Hulster created a special artwork that plays a symbolic role in the film. Another special connection is choreographer Rebecca De Kempe, who was responsible for the expressive movement language in the film. Charlotte and Rebecca were classmates in Knokke-Heist and have now combined their talents to make inner struggle visible through choreography.”
“The fact that my first film is premiering in Hollywood is an incredible honor,” says writer-director, producer, and editor Charlotte Verminck. “But equally special is the support from my hometown and the creative spirits in Knokke-Heist. This project was made possible in part thanks to the place where I grew up.”
The Awards Gala takes place on Sunday, April 6 at the iconic Beverly Hilton International Ballroom, the legendary venue of the Golden Globe Awards and the Oscars Luncheon, where the biggest names in Hollywood gather. In addition to being selected for the Beverly Hills Film Festival, Charlotte Verminck is nominated for Best Debut Director at the Red Movie Awards in Reims, France, on May 24, marking recognition of her talent in Europe as well.
Invisible Struggle
Mind of Thoughts is a psychological drama about the inner battle many people fight in silence. The film follows a young artist who becomes entangled in her own thoughts, where self-doubt and fear begin to distort her reality. The more she tries to gain control, the more her thoughts turn against her.
What makes this film unique is the way mental struggle is physically translated. Instead of conventional dialogue, Mind of Thoughts uses choreography and movement to make the protagonist’s emotions visible. In this, Rebecca De Kempe, also from Knokke-Heist, played a key role as choreographer. Her movement language conveys the psychological tension of the protagonist in a way that transcends words.
In addition to filming in France and the Netherlands, part of the film production was supported by Belgian creatives. MAAK Open Huis voor Kunsten and Inge D’Hulster played a role in the artistic design of the film, and the collaboration with Rebecca De Kempe from Knokke-Heist added an extra physical dimension to the storytelling. Part of the film was also shot in the Grand Hotel Casselbergh in Bruges, which offered a unique setting for several crucial scenes.
“The support I received from both Knokke-Heist and Bruges means a great deal,” says Charlotte. “Filmmaking is a collaboration, and it’s fantastic that I could count on the talent and passion of these regions.”
The film was produced completely independently and shot in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, with a diverse cast and crew of over 50 people from eight countries and four continents. Charlotte not only directed the film but also produced and edited it herself. Her journey shows how a filmmaker—without traditional production support—can realize a film based on personal and artistic vision, and have it recognized internationally.
Started Editing at Age Ten
Charlotte Verminck grew up in Knokke-Heist and studied at Heilig Hart School, the Sint-Bernardus Institute, and the Sint-Jozef Lyceum. It was there that her passion for film was sparked early on, leading her to start editing at the age of ten. This laid the foundation for her distinctive style, where introspection and expressive visual language come together.
At age 17, she became Creative Director for Ozark Henry. Later, she refined her craft in Los Angeles at Little Minx, the renowned production company of Rhea Scott, daughter-in-law of Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Alien, Blade Runner).
Her video poem Pathless (2022) was selected for the Poetry Film Festival in Los Angeles, where she received recognition for her emotional depth and cinematic precision.
Charlotte’s work is known for its strong visual identity, deep thematic layers, and boundary-pushing film language.
Comentarios