SOON!-competition 2026

In the SOON! competition, a professional youth jury – the Young Talents – chaired by a Belgian film professional, awards new filmmakers who have made a significant impact with their first or second film at prestigious international festivals, or gems that we have discovered ourselves.

Our Young Talents are five young creators (directors, but also actors) who have recently presented notable work or who are about to release a brand-new project into the world.

Winner

The SOON! competition showcases films by beginning directors. This year’s award goes to the black-and-white documentary ‘To the West, in Zapata’, the feature debut of Cuban director David Bim. The film tells the story of a poor family on the Zapata Peninsula. Father Landi must fight to support his family, catching crocodiles with his bare hands. At home, his wife Mercedes waits anxiously for his return. She collects charcoal to cook and cares for their autistic son, while the radio reports daily deaths from the pandemic and social tensions in Cuba.

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Nature unfolds like a grand orchestra, in contrast to the vulnerable, deeply human presence of Mercedes, whose singing at the end of the film carries the emotional heart of the story. Combined with the film’s powerful cinematography and storytelling, this creates an experience that held us from start to finish.

Jury

Jennifer Heylen

You may know Jennifer Heylen as a jury member on 'De Slimste Mens ter Wereld' or as an actress in films such as 'Patsers' and 'Julian', and in series like the Cannes-acclaimed 'Oh, Otto' and the highly anticipated second season of 'Roomies'. 2025 was undoubtedly a landmark year for the Brussels-based actress, crowned by the release of the new Streamz series 'The Best Immigrant', in which she plays the lead role. There could be no better candidate to take on the role of chair of the SOON! jury.

Willem De Schryver

After completing his studies at KASK in Ghent, he got famous for his role as Alexander Vandael in the drama series 'Knokke Off'. He has since added a role in 'Assisen: De insulinemoorden' and a leading role in the drama series 'The big fuck-up' to his résumé. In 2026, he will return in the third season of 'Knokke Off'.

Michael Abay

Brussels-based director Michael Abay won the Ensor for Best Short Film in 2024 with 'Klette', his graduation project at RITCS. The short film had previously received the VAF Fiction Wildcard (2022) and was selected for the Leuven International Short Film Festival. In addition, Abay directed the series 'Kameleon' and the new Streamz Original 'The Best Immigrant', which has been available to stream since December.

Nadège Iris Bibo-Tansia

Nadège Bibo-Tansia is an actress and a screenwriter (among others for 'Putain'). She appeared in series such as 'Panna' and the feature film 'Le Voyage de Talia' (Christophe Rolin), and contributed editorially to the documentary series 'Plan A' and 'FC United' (VRT), where she worked on research and development. Curious and versatile, she moves fluidly between film and video, with a keen eye for both content and form. Drawing from her personal background and cultural references, she creates space for diverse voices and perspectives, with attention to nuance, detail and accurate representation. She is driven by an investigative mindset and a genuine engagement with contemporary stories.

Felix Heremans

Since his appearance as the youngest ever contestant and being a top favourite on 'De Slimste Mens ter Wereld', Felix Heremans has been a familiar face to the general public. The young actor, now known for his humour and fearless presence, shone in the Brussels-based drama series 'Putain' and had previously already made a strong impression with his acting debut in Fien Troch’s 'Holly'. Since this year, he has been studying drama at KASK in Ghent.

Selectie

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