Belgian Serendipity Films has published the trailer for Marjolijn Prins’ Fantastique, which will world premiere August 11 in Locarno 2025 Kids Screenings.
Fantastique is a magic‑realistic documentary that follows 14‑year old contortionist Fanta in Guinea Conakry. Fanta juggles between the care for her ailing mother, school and what she loves the most; training as one of the only girls within an acrobatic group, with the hopes of joining their next big tour. Trying to bridge all expectations, Fanta starts to doubt what she really wants…
The film is produced by Serendipity’s Ellen De Waele and Mirna Everhard, and co-produced by Florent Coulon & Felix Salgado (FR), Ineke Kanters & Lisette Kelder (NL), Anton Iffland Stettner & Eva Kuperman (BE). Sales are also handled by Serendipity Films.
Director Prins comments: “In 2019, I met the acrobats of Amoukanama Circus, an association based in Guinea and Belgium that connects African and European circus arts. I was immediately inspired by their mission: creating unity through diversity. Their stories about Conakry’s vibrant acrobatic tradition – where many young performers rise from the slums to world-class circuses – deeply moved me.
“After several meetings, the group invited me to Guinea. There, I met Fanta – the youngest and only girl in the troupe, just nine years old. Her discipline, openness, and drive to become an acrobat stood out immediately. As I spent time with her, I saw the potential for a nuanced film about empowerment.”
Fantastique is supported by: Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds Fonds (VAF) | Eurimages | Belgian Tax Shelter by BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance | Netherlands Film Fund | Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in partnership with CNC and with the support of ALCA | Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles | Les Films du Préau | Département de la Charente-Maritime, in partnership with CNC | Folkets Bio.
Locarno Kids Screenings is described as “a carefully curated selection of films for children, teens, and families, offering a chance to explore the world and connect with different experiences.”
