Kristof Hoornaert, a Belgian writer-director born in 1980, embarked on his creative journey by studying Audiovisual Arts in Ghent and Brussels. His inaugural short film, "Kaïn," garnered significant recognition, earning a nomination for the prestigious Golden Bear at the 59th Berlin International Film Festival.
Undeterred by the constraints of a limited budget, Hoornaert wrote, directed, and produced his subsequent short film, "The Fall," a 17-minute masterpiece shot in a single day. This remarkable achievement earned the film numerous awards and international exposure, screening at over 40 film festivals worldwide and receiving several television broadcasts.
The director's third short film, "Empire," premiered in the world competition at the 39th Montreal World Film Festival and was later selected for the 59th BFI London Film Festival. Hoornaert also collaborated with Ukrainian filmmaker Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy, editing the short film "Nuclear Waste," which won the Silver Leopard at the 65th Locarno International Film Festival.
Hoornaert's feature film debut, "Resurrection," had its world premiere at the 44th Film Fest Gent and went on to be selected for the 21st Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (First Features Competition) and the 47th International Film Festival Rotterdam (Bright Future). The film received widespread critical acclaim, winning numerous awards worldwide.
In addition to his work in film, Hoornaert has also directed reconstruction scenes for the television series "Onder de Radar," a gripping true-crime documentary that explores the most striking cases in the history of the Special Units (DSU). Furthermore, he co-wrote and directed the final episodes of the 3rd season of the popular television series "Onder Vuur," a heart-pumping drama that delves into the survival and moral dilemmas faced by a group of firefighters.
Throughout his career, Hoornaert has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the power of cinematographic language to evoke emotions and convey the story that needs to be told. His dedication to his craft and his ability to craft compelling narratives have earned him a reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
