Jan Hoet 1e cover
© Ronny Heirman

Thank God for the Gift

Luc Vrydaghs

documentary finished

SYNOPSIS:

'Thank God for the Gift' tells the story of Jan Hoet, one of the most striking figures from recent Belgium art history. The film shows the remarkable career of the top curator, but even more so the remarkable person he was. A passionate man with an unquenchable thirst for art, radical in his honesty and in his pursuit of total intellectual and emotional freedom. We follow the story of an insecure young man who becomes a controversial art pope, with great successes, lots of praise and tons of criticism, who could make or break artists. Lots of friends, and lots of enemies ...

Jan Hoet's favorite painting The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Van Eyck brothers, 15th century) offers a rich conceptual framework for the film.

CREDITS:

  • Writer: Luc Vrydaghs
  • Director: Luc Vrydaghs
  • DoP: Alex De Backer
  • Editor: Dieter Diependaele
  • Sound design: Matthias Hillegeer
  • Producer: Hans Everaert / Menuetto

FURTHER INFO:

  • Length: ca 80'
  • Language: Dutch
  • Shooting locations: Belgium, Germany, Italy, USA
  • Shooting period: 2022 - 2023
  • Release: Feb 2024
Jan Hoet 1e cover