Luc Dardenne

Luc Dardenne (born 1951) is a Belgian film director, screenwriter and producer. He is best known for his work with his brother Jean-Pierre Dardenne in making social realist films about the struggles of ordinary people. Together they have won two Palme d’Or awards at the Cannes Film Festival for their films L’Enfant (2005) and The Kid With A Bike (2011).

Biography

Dardennes was born on April 19th 1951 in Engis, Liege province to working class parents Marcelle and Aimé Dardenne who were both factory workers. Luc studied philosophy at university before entering filmmaking as an assistant director on several short films by directors including Thierry Knauff and André Delvaux. In 1979 he directed his first feature length film Falsch which focused upon a young girl’s struggle to escape her family life in Charleroi, Belgium where she lives with her domineering father who forbids her any contact outside of their home environment. This independent production was well received by critics winning Best Debut Feature Award from French Syndicate of Cinema Critics the same year it released but financial success eluded him leading him back into television directing until meeting up again with long time friend Jean-Pierre Dardenne when he began producing documentaries such as Juvenile Offenders: Lessons From Life?(1981), How Children See Us(1985), Sister Smile(1989). Since 1996 Luc has worked closely alongside brother Jean Pierre writing scripts together that focus upon characters living within socio economic boundaries struggling against forces beyond their control within contemporary Belgum society . Between them they have achieved worldwide recognition through titles like Rosetta (1999 )which gained acclaim due its raw energy ,The Son(2002 ),L’enfant ( 2005 )and Le Gamin Au Vélo/The Kid With A Bike.( 2011 ). All four movies were awarded Palme d ‘ Or prizes at Cannes Film Festival becoming only second brothers after Coen Brothers to achieve this feat twice over course 11 years additionally all five of there features produced since 1996 are considered amongst most important works made 21st century European cinema .

In addition Lucas has been involved other projects ranging from editing shorts like La Promesse/Promise featuring early performances future stars Jèrèmie Renier Olivier Gourmet which later became inspiration behind international acclaimed feature Brotherhood Of Tears 1998 also served jury member numerous festivals including Venice International Film festival San Sebastian International Film festival Sarajevo War Childhood Documentary Competition among others He currently resides Brussels where continues write direct produce new cinematic works help promote ideas related cinema culture wider audience recent documentary piece titled Matière Grises / Gray Matters 2012 explores relation between art science looking how these two fields interact each other Through out career Lucas maintained strong commitment realistic portrayal human experience providing viewers valuable insight understanding modern world around us