For one day, this Friday, the magnificent lounges of Bruges’ Grand Hotel Casselbergh were transformed into a high-class art academy for the short film Mind of Thoughts by up-and-coming director Charlotte Verminck (24) from Knokke-Heist. The international film production is about the powerful influence of our thoughts on our daily lives. “At first I got a ‘no,’ until I was allowed to explain my project,” she explains of the unique setting.
Bart Huysentruyt 26-04-24, 12:13
The team of Grand Hotel Casselbergh does not normally allow such film shoots, but after discovering the fascinating story of the film, which contains an important message about today’s mental health issues, the management decided to exceptionally make their accommodation available for some key scenes from the film. “I was sitting here with my grandmother drinking coffee and became overwhelmed by the space. This had to be it. So glad the people at the hotel are also stepping into that story.”
For the production, Charlotte, a 24-year-old film producer who herself took her first steps in the industry and had no specific training, brings together a team of more than 50 professional cast and crew members. From the 150 or so candidates for the lead roles, American actress Brienne Mizell and Belgian-Cameroonian actress Berthe Tanwo Njole were chosen. American cinematographer Giancarlo Stigliano is coming with his team from New Jersey to Belgium for the filming. “There are also team members from Korea, Congo, China, the Philippines and the Netherlands,” says Charlotte, “I think it is great to bring different nationalities together in front of and behind the camera and to be able to share our perspectives on equal ground.”
American dream
She did her casting over a cup of coffee each time. “Because I wanted there to be a family atmosphere during the production of the film. That’s not evident, but it worked out. The way the shooting is going at the moment is as I had hoped.” After the Belgian theatrical premiere, Charlotte hopes to travel to the United States with the film and gain selections at film festivals. “My dream is to continue building my career as a screenwriter-director there,” Charlotte echoes, “but still continue to embrace my Flemish roots.”
The young film producer was born in Knokke-Heist and lives in Maldegem. She did not get any specific film training, but took her own first steps in the industry. Thus, at the age of 10, she started making film montages in which her classmates starred. At 17, she worked as a video artist and creative director for Belgian artist Ozark Henry with whom she founded the then creative arthouse SOH.
YouTube videos
After this experience, she traveled to the United States and spent several months in Los Angeles to intern at the high-end production company Little Minx owned by Rhea Scott the daughter-in-law of renowned director Ridley Scott, known for Gladiator, Napoleon and Alien. She then delved into the world of film on her own by watching YouTube videos and analyzing the various storytelling aspects in screenplays.
In 2022, she made her debut with the poetic short film “Pathless”. This film won the ‘Best Poetry Film’ award at the Motion Pictures International Film Festival and was selected at the renowned Poetry Film Festival in Los Angeles and the First-Time Filmmaker Showcase at the world-renowned Pinewood Studios. ‘Mind of Thoughts’ is Charlotte’s first narrative short film production. It is funded by multiple private investors, tax shelter and a public crowdfunding that Charlotte set up.
Pictures by Benny Proot