Lukas Dhont

President of the Jury

Lukas Dhont

As a teenager, Lukas Dhont’s cinematic vision was shaped by his discovery of filmmakers like Gregg Araki, Christophe Honoré, Xavier Dolan, and the horror genre. Inspired by his cinephile mother, who was also a fashion professor, Dhont began developing his unique perspective.

In 2018, at just 26 years old, the Belgian filmmaker—who had previously directed two short films (L’Infini and Corps perdus) and worked as a cinematographer and editor—made waves at the 71st Cannes Film Festival. His debut feature, Girl, an introspective portrait of a young trans teen navigating the world of classical ballet, starred the luminous Victor Polster. Dhont subverted traditional narratives by placing his protagonist in an environment marked by surprising tenderness and support, focusing the conflict on her inner struggle rather than external hostility.

Presented in the Un Certain Regard section, Girl won the prestigious Caméra d’Or and Queer Palm, along with a Best Actor award for Polster. Four years later, Dhont returned with Close, a poignant and impressionistic exploration of a friendship tragically fractured by homophobia. This time, the film competed in the Official Selection and deeply moved the Cannes jury, earning the Grand Prix.

In just two feature films, Lukas Dhont has established himself as a compelling and virtuosic filmmaker, crafting a body of work deeply engaged with LGBTQI+ representation on screen. His sensitive and nuanced storytelling continues to redefine narratives around identity and belonging.

Photo by Mayli Sterkendries.
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