I’m back writing on this blog after a few months. And for a good reason, because the master and opening film of the Filmfestival of Ostend of 2027 have been announced. Film Festival Oostende (FFO) will celebrate its nineteenth edition from 15 to 23 January 2027, with actor Willem De Schryver as its Master. He has chosen the theme ‘INSIDE OUT’: a heartfelt invitation to reconnect with others in a world where we are constantly connected. That starts with talking about what is going on inside us, putting our phones aside for a moment and rediscovering a sense of wonder at the world around us. The opening film also shines a spotlight on a new generation of talent: De Opdracht, directed by Patrice Toye, features a promising cast of young actors.
Willem De Schryver is the youngest Master in the festival’s history
Every year, FFO puts a Flemish personality in the spotlight for their outstanding contribution to the Belgian audiovisual industry. Together with the Master, the festival puts together a programme that broadens perspectives and introduces fresh perspectives to the film landscape. For its nineteenth edition, FFO has chosen Willem De Schryver, one of the most remarkable young actors of his generation. At just 25 years old, he is also the youngest Master in the festival’s history.
Last year, Willem De Schryver was already involved with FFO as a member of the SOON! jury. His commitment and professionalism made a lasting impression on the team. His return to Ostend as this year’s Master therefore feels like a natural next step. Together with FFO, he hopes to inspire a new generation of film enthusiasts and help shine a spotlight on emerging Flemish talent.
After graduating from KASK in Ghent, Willem De Schryver rose to prominence with wtFOCK. His career then gained momentum thanks to his role as Alexander Vandael in High Tides (Knokke Off), which was released internationally on Netflix. Since then, he has appeared in productions including Assisen: De Insulinemoord, Moresnet and Lukas Dhont’s international film Coward. He also played the lead role in the Streamz series De big fuck-up. His performance earned him an Ensor Award nomination for Best Performance in a Leading Role – Fiction Series. He will soon be seen in Knokke Off: The Movie and the new Streamz series 10 Broeders, in which he takes on one of the leading roles alongside actors including Jan Decleir, Jan Bijvoet and Frank Lammers.
This year, Willem De Schryver and FFO chose the theme ‘INSIDE OUT’. On the one hand, it is a heartfelt invitation to open up about what is going on inside us. On the other, it encourages audiences to rediscover the beauty of the world around them. ‘INSIDE OUT’ is a theme that is particularly close to Willem’s heart and one he, like many of his generation, grapples with on a daily basis. For that reason, choosing it felt natural, while also offering a unique opportunity to open up the conversation. He has already announced two films he selected that will be screened during the festival: Into the Wild and The Lighthouse.
Patrice Toye’s De Opdracht to open FFO27
The nineteenth edition of FFO will open with De Opdracht, the new feature film by Patrice Toye. Toye previously opened the festival in 2012 with Little Black Spiders. Based on the award-winning novel by Wessel te Gussinklo, De Opdracht tells the story of sixteen-year-old Ewout, who attends a summer camp in 1947 alongside young people whose lives have been shaped by the Second World War. Armed with a big mouth and plenty of bravado, he is determined to find his place and become popular. But when the camp leader, whom he looks up to, puts him to the test, Ewout goes to increasingly greater lengths to fit in. The film explores themes such as leadership, peer pressure, friendship and self-acceptance.
The leading roles are played by newcomers Mathisse De Sutter and Luka Michielsens, alongside familiar young faces Thibaud Dooms and Felix Heremans, as well as established actor Tibo Vandenborre. The screenplay was written by Patrice Toye and Peter Seynaeve, with cinematography by Richard van Oosterhout, editing by Bert Jacobs and music by John Parish.
On December 10th the whole program of FFO27 will be announced. So stay tuned!
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