We Believe You
2025 Belgian film
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We Believe You (French: On vous croit) is a 2025 Belgian drama film directed by Arnaud Dufeys, Charlotte Devillers in their first feature. The film follows Alice, who stands before a judge, knowing there is no room for error. She must speak up for her children, as her custody is being called into question.[1][2]
- Arnaud Dufeys
- Charlotte Devillers
- Arnaud Dufeys
- Charlotte Devillers
- Arnaud Dufeys
- Arnaud Ponthière
| We Believe You | |
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Festival release poster | |
| French | On vous croit |
| Directed by |
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| Screenplay by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Pépin Struye |
| Edited by | Nicolas Bier |
| Music by | Lolita Del Pino |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | The Party Film Sales |
Release date |
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Running time | 78 minutes |
| Country |
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| Language | French |
It was selected in Perspectives at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival and was screened on 17 February 2025.[3][4] At the 15th René du Cinéma Awards, it won the Best Film, along with five other awards.[5]
Synopsis
Alice, a 40-year-old mother, fights to protect her children in a justice system that scrutinizes her instead of their father. As she struggles to make their fears heard, the film explores the challenges women face and how the legal system handles family and domestic violence.
Cast
- Myriem Akheddiou as Alice
- Laurent Capelluto
- Natali Broods as The judge
- Ulysse Goffin as the children
- Adèle Pinckaers as the children
Production
The film written, directed and produced by Arnaud Dufeys, Charlotte Devillers, stars Myriem Akheddiou and Laurent Capelluto. The film was produced by Makintosh with support from the Film and Audiovisual Centre. The film has backing from the Belgian National Lottery, Be TV, RTBF, Proximus and the federal Tax Shelter initiative via Shelter Prod/ING. It was filmed in Brussels and wrapped up in May 2024.[6]
Release
We Believe You had its world premiere on 17 February 2025, as part of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, in Perspectives.[7]
The film competed in Feature Film Competition 2025 at the 26th edition of the International Music & Cinema Festival in Marseille that took place from March 24 to 29, 2025.[8]
It was presented in Official Section of 22nd Seville European Film Festival on 8 November 2025,[9][10] and on 9 November 2025, it was presented in European Discoveries section of Arras Film Festival.[11][12]
Accolades
The film selected in the newly formed Perspectives competition will compete for Best First Feature Award.[13][14]
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin International Film Festival | 23 February 2025 | GWFF Best First Feature Award Special Mention | We Believe You | Special Mention | [15][16] |
| Seville European Film Festival | 15 November 2025 | Golden Giraldillo | Won | ||
| Best Screenplay | Charlotte Devillers, Arnaud Dufeys | Won | |||
| Best Actress | Myriem Akheddiou | Won | |||
| Cork International Film Festival | 16 November 2025 | Spirit of the Festival Award – Best Film | We Believe You | Won | |
| René du Cinéma Awards | 7 March 2026 | Best Film | Charlotte Devillers, Arnaud Dufeys, and Arnaud Ponthière | Won | [19] |
| Best Director | Charlotte Devillers and Arnaud Dufeys | Won | |||
| Best Actress | Myriem Akheddiou | Won | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Laurent Capelluto | Won | |||
| Best Supporting Actress | Natali Broods | Nominated | |||
| Most Promising Actor | Ulysse Goffin | Nominated | |||
| Most Promising Actress | Adèle Pinckaers | Nominated | |||
| Best Screenplay | Charlotte Devillers and Arnaud Dufeys | Won | |||
| Best First Feature Film | Charlotte Devillers, Arnaud Dufeys, and Arnaud Ponthière | Nominated | |||
| Best Cinematography | Pépin Struye | Nominated | |||
| Best Editing | Nicolas Bier | Won | |||