underneath my shell
“onder mijn schild”
Twelve-year-old Rosa goes camping with her estranged father in a secluded forest in Belgium after her parents' divorce. As they navigate their strained relationship amidst the towering trees, a small, unsettling incident forces them to confront their emotional distance. Will they find their way back to each other, or will the forest keep their secrets buried?
Underneath my Shell tells a delicate and personal story about the complex dynamic between parent and child after a painful divorce. The film explores the father-daughter relationship, focusing on 12-year-old Rosa and her father as they navigate life without the mother. Through this intimate perspective, the film highlights the emotional impact of divorce on both children and parents, offering a nuanced look at themes of care, sacrifice, and growth.
The central theme—children feeling responsible for their parents at the expense of their own childhood—is one many can relate to. By addressing this, the film aims to spark recognition and empathy, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences.
Linn Vandeborne played the role of Rosa, and Tom Ternest took on the role of the father. Two spectacular actors to work with. We had a fairly long rehearsal process, which focused primarily on developing the bond between the two. Linn has a vivid imagination and doesn’t need much to bring genuine emotions to the surface in the moment. It was an incredible experience to see my personal story brought to life by these two amazing talents.
This film was a deeply personal project for me, but making it was an incredibly rewarding experience. I made the film for my bachelor’s degree at RITCS School of Arts. The adventure began during the writing process, where I was fortunate to collaborate with two exceptionally talented and intuitive screenwriters, Flo Demeyer and Emiel Bachot, who worked tirelessly to seek authenticity in every moment of the story. We shot the film with a small but dedicated crew in the Ardennes, where we all stayed together in a single house—it felt like we were living the story ourselves, almost as if we were camping alongside the characters.
I filmed this project myself using a Sony FX6 with Vespid Prime lenses, and despite having a small camera crew, the strength and determination of a lot of woman power made it more than enough. From start to finish, I worked closely with my producer, Noah Desmet, who carefully organized every detail while creating a vibrant atmosphere on set. Noah was the driving force and the warm blanket that kept everything moving smoothly. My first assistant director, Liam Van Pul, who also produced A5-ERA and served as assistant director, was equally indispensable—I can’t imagine anyone better to have by my side on set, as he’s the engine that keeps everything focused and running seamlessly.
The film truly came to life in post-production, where the story was carefully pieced together by my editor, Louis De Schrijver, whose calm demeanor and ability to give every shot an honest chance were pivotal. The sound design was where the world of the film fully unfolded, as the forest truly came alive. Casper Le Compte, who also did the final mix for A5-ERA, brought the soundscape to a whole new level with Underneath My Shell, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
This film has been an incredible journey, shaped by a passionate and talented team, and I’m so proud of what we’ve created together.
