THE INTERVIEW
December, 2025
JUDITH DUYCK
NO!SE
BEST DRAMA
Judith, tell us a bit more about yourself. Where does your desire to be a director come from?
Movies and series have always been my safe haven, a place where I could escape and feel inspired. I think the moment I was truly hooked in the film world was when I first saw Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as a little girl. I remember the scene when Harry sees Hogwarts for the first time, looking up at the castle as the boats cross the lake — the lights, the music, the magic of that world completely amazed me. I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t want the film to end. That’s when I realized how powerful films can be.
Later, when my dad came up with the spontaneous idea to make a short film together, I was excited. It felt like the perfect way to finally dive into something I’d always dreamed of, but never dared to pursue. This project became the ideal balance: I could continue with my work and studies while exploring my passion for filmmaking. Usually, I’m the one sitting behind my laptop or the TV screen, so the idea of writing dialogues, building a story, and co-directing with my dad was incredibly exciting. It allowed me to see filmmaking from the inside out.
What is your background?
I never imagined I’d end up co-directing a film one day — it just sort of happened. Somehow my love for drawing, experimenting, and film all came together in the strangest, most exciting way. I studied Communication Management, so filmmaking wasn’t really the path I expected to take. But it was interesting to see how some of the things I learned — like storytelling and finding creative solutions — also fit perfectly within a film project. I’ve always enjoyed being creative in general. I spent about nine years at an art academy, as a hobby, and that really helped me develop an eye for visuals. So when the opportunity came to make a short film, it felt like a natural way to bring those interests together — without ever planning for it. It just sort of grew into something really special.
What were your references for NO!SE?
It actually started very small. My dad had made a dance video for a musician friend of his, Djules. One day he said, ‘I want to do something more with this — why don’t we turn it into a short film?’ Without thinking twice, I said, ‘Why not?’ and that’s how it all began. What started as a simple dance video slowly grew into a full feature film. The story developed as we went along, scene by scene. It was definitely an unconventional way of working — but somehow, it worked! We’ve even won a few awards already, so we must have done something right. I’ve been dancing my whole life, so I could bring a bit of that experience into the film. The heavier themes, like sexual assault and multiple sclerosis, came from real stories my dad encountered through friends. Djules has MS, and my dad saw firsthand how devastating it can be when the diagnosis comes too late. So while the project started from passion, it eventually became about something bigger — creating awareness through film.
What were your references for NO!SE?
It actually started very small. My dad had made a dance video for a musician friend of his, Djules. One day he said, ‘I want to do something more with this — why don’t we turn it into a short film?’ Without thinking twice, I said, ‘Why not?’ and that’s how it all began. What started as a simple dance video slowly grew into a full feature film. The story developed as we went along, scene by scene. It was definitely an unconventional way of working — but somehow, it worked! We’ve even won a few awards already, so we must have done something right. I’ve been dancing my whole life, so I could bring a bit of that experience into the film. The heavier themes, like sexual assault and multiple sclerosis, came from real stories my dad encountered through friends. Djules has MS, and my dad saw firsthand how devastating it can be when the diagnosis comes too late. So while the project started from passion, it eventually became about something bigger — creating awareness through film.
Judith you won an BEST DRAMA at the ICE Movie Awards, what does that mean to you?
Winning Best Drama at the ICE Movie Awards honestly means so much to us. We started this project with no big expectations — just a shared passion between my dad and me, and a story we really believed in. To see it recognized in that way was both surreal and heartwarming. It felt like a beautiful confirmation that the emotions and themes we wanted to express actually reached people. For me personally, it’s also a huge motivation to keep going for what you want. It’s proof that even when you start small, with passion and sincerity, you can create something real.
How was it to direct a film alongside your father? Was it more of a challenge, a comfort, or both?
Working on NO!SE with my dad was both comforting and challenging. His passion for photography and videography meant he had the technical skills and experience to bring the film to life, which was a huge comfort of course. It could also be challenging at times, because filmmaking is unpredictable. We both have strong opinions and know each other very well — after 24 years being father and daughter — clashes happened occasionally. But we always found a way forward, and collaborating in this way made the process personal and ultimately very rewarding.
You grew up with a father who is both a police officer and a filmmaker — how did that shape your vision of art and storytelling?
Growing up with a father who is both a police officer and a filmmaker influenced our lives in very different ways. From his work as a police officer, we were confronted with life’s harsher realities, which taught us to stay grounded. At the same time, he always encouraged us to follow our dreams — he truly believes that the world is at your feet. That balance has shown me that you can have big ambitions while keeping your feet on the ground. From his filmmaking side, I saw the power of creativity and storytelling. Combining both influences shaped how I see art and stories: realistic, imaginative, and fueled by the idea that you can be the director of your own life.
NO!SE is a film born from a very personal and emotional story. What was the most difficult part to shoot for you — technically or emotionally?
Since NO!SE is indeed based on very personal and emotional stories, some scenes were quite challenging to shoot. The hardest parts were the scenes that dealt with heavy themes, like sexual assault or the struggles of living with MS. The most confronting scenes for me were the ones about sexual assault. You can’t film them without really feeling the emotions. Shooting them confronts you with the fact that the world is not just rainbows and butterflies. It was challenging, but also what gave the film its emotional depth. In the end, those moments made the film stronger and more authentic.
The movie is based on true events and touches on deep human themes such as illness, family, and resilience. What message do you hope the audience takes away from it?
With NO!SE, we wanted to tell a story that feels real and human, inspired by true experiences. The film touches on illness and the impact of trauma, based on stories from people close to us. My hope is that the audience comes away with empathy and understanding, realizing that everyone has their own challenges and struggles — their own ‘stuff’ they’re dealing with. Beyond simply telling a story, we wanted to create a conversation. I hope viewers leave feeling moved, reflective, and more aware that behind every life, there are people navigating difficulties with courage and strength.
Do you have an anecdote to share with us in particular?
One moment that really stuck with me happened during filming in the house. There was a glass door, and during a pause in shooting, I suddenly heard a loud bang from somewhere in the distance. We went to see what had happened and found Johan, our soundman and co-writer, had walked straight into the door — he hadn’t realized it was glass! His glasses were broken, and there was even a clear imprint of his forehead on the door. We couldn’t stop laughing, and it’s been teasing him ever since. Moments like that reminded us that, even in serious storytelling, there’s always room for humor on set.
What is your next project?
At the moment, I study Political Science, with a focus on international politics. I’m really interested in understanding the challenges our world faces. Right now, I’m fully focused on finishing my master’s and giving this year my all. That said, I’ve never wanted to distance myself from the creative side of my life. I’m keeping the future open, and I like to see where opportunities could take me — whether that’s another film, a creative project, or something unexpected. I’m definitely not a professional filmmaker, but in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.