COOP!-competition 2026

In the COOP!-competition, the focus is on collaborations or ‘COOPerations’ that go beyond financial structures, bringing together craftsmanship and creativity from the Low Countries. A jury will decide which film is awarded the title of ‘Best Co-Production’.

Winner

Movie

Drama
Historical

The Isle of the Demoiselle

The COOP! jury, chaired by Mu.Zee Director Bruno Verbergt, has named ‘The Isle of the Demoiselle’ by Belgian director Micha Wald as Best International Co-Production. This biopic and historical adventure film is based on the true story of the French noblewoman Marguerite de la Rocque. In 1542, she was left alone on a deserted island near Newfoundland with her maid and her assailant, amid the wildness of nature.

Jury

Bruno Verbergt will take on the role of chair of the COOP!-jury. Since September 2024, he has been the General Director of Mu.ZEE, the Permeke Museum and Peiremuzee. He has built an impressive career in cultural policy and management, having previously served as Artistic Director of the Klapstuk dance festival in Leuven and produced large-scale cultural projects such as Van Dyck 1999 and MODE2001. As Managing Director for Culture, Sports, Youth and Education for the City of Antwerp, he played a key role in the renewal of the city’s museums and the realization of the MAS and the Red Star Line Museum.

This year, the audience jury consists uit Eva Schelles, Natan Maes, Priyani Libert, Jo Lefevere, Dorian van der Brempt and Shana Peulinckx.