Jean
Jolke Van Aerde, 2026
Over the course of eight years, the film draws an intimate portrait of Jean Ciesielski, a teenager growing up in Antwerp. Moving through a succession of schools and educational tracks, Jean searches for a place within a system that has defined him from a tender age. At only twelve years old, he speaks with a striking maturity and clarity that feels far beyond his years. As adulthood approaches, Jean feels an increasing urgency for change. Unable to obtain a regular secondary school diploma within his current track, he decides to change schools once more. His journey reveals how deeply the language and expectations of education have shaped the way he sees himself and his place in society.
Returning to Jean at irregular intervals, the film gathers conversations, silences and fragments of his everyday life. Through the evolving relationship between Jean and the camera, a portrait is gradually crafted rather than simply observed. Unfolding in a mosaic-like structure, the film offers a reflection on the fragility and turmoil of a young identity in formation, as well as on the act of filming someone as they change.
a film by Jolke Van Aerde
a with Jean Ciesielski, Barbara Vermeiren, Emile Ciesielski & Benancio Leonard
image Jolke Van Aerde
sound Kumail Syed
music Mika Baudoux, Laura Conant, Sam Comerford (interpretation Bach)
editing Dieter Diependaele
sound editing Sabrina Calmels
sound mixing Aline Gavroy
colour grading Olivier Ogneux
graphic design Myrthe Van Rompaey
production Marguerite de Saint André & Ruben Desiere
produced by Accattone Films
a co-production with Canvas
with the support of deAuteurs, KASK School of Arts, the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF), the Belgian Tax Shelter of the Federal Government, managed by Gallop Tax Shelter
distribution Avila