We know the challenges of bringing a film to life. But what's often overlooked is the crucial step that follows: distribution. Filmmaking is an art, and getting your story seen is an art in itself.
You put all your guts into the production of a film, your blood, your tears, your money and when its finished, you don't know how to make it seen. And the harsh reality becomes evident: A film that is not seen is a film that doesn't exist in the eyes of this industry.
I’ve experience self-production of films. At this time, I didn't have the codes and consequent knowledge about film industry. Then, I had a rewarding work experiences at film festivals, international sales and film production. I understood the codes and developed my network, thanks to that my films have found the good place where to be screened.
I wanted to put this experience at the service of filmmakers and producers.
This is the reason why I have founded Hors du bocal, an international film sales company aimed at promoting and developing the export of independent films from emerging filmmakers. Regardless of budget -large or small- self-produced or produced film, whatever the genre or the length -feature or short. If wee feel confident in our ability to advocate for your film in the market, we will support and uplift it.
From managing international distribution strategy, festivals and sales, we're here to push your film towards success. Whether your film followed a traditional or unconventional path, we're interested in films that resonate, challenge, inspire in form and substance.
We are aware that not everyone starts on an equal footing in art due to structural disparities, especially in terms of film school education, networking opportunities, and subsequent production access.
Our team firmly believes that diversity, inclusion and innovation come from stories that defy convention, being out of the box or 'Hors du bocal' as it means in French Out of the Fishbowl.
Hors du bocal's mission is to search-out and showcase outstanding cinematic pearls, taking them out of the fishbowl into the spotlight!
Founder of Hors du Bocal
Zahra Benasri was born in Liège, Belgium. She studied European Politics at Maastricht in the Netherlands. After graduating, she decided to focus on what she was always passionate about: cinema. She gained experience at film festivals (FIFF Namur) and film marketing in Paris. She moved to Brussels and worked at Best Friend Forever, international film sales company as a Sales and Festivals Assistant. Later as Production Manager at Daylight Films.
She directed two self-produced short films, la petite honte (the litte shame) a live action and During 12 years, I was born on May 6th, a documentary that was screened at several international festivals.
Sun in Aquarius, rising in Cancer, moon in Leo, she dreams of a world with political films where goldfish would swim in beers.
She manages festival follow-up and sales at Hors du bocal.
Amélie Poulain by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Most underrated filmInnocence by Lucile Hadzihalilovic
Guilty pleasureNeuilly sa mère by Gabriel Julien-Laferrière
Auguste has studied filmmaking at IAD where he graduate as a Production Manager.
He has always been curious about the process of filmmaking, from the writing to the diffusion in festivals.
Since 2018, he is working between film festivals and the production and the directing of audio drama and documentaries.
Film you've watched 100000000 timesYellow Submarine by George Dunning
Most Underrated FilmMy name is nobody by Tonino Valerii
Guilty PleasurePacific Rim by Guillermo del Toro
Xavier has studied image diligently. He spends most of his time in dark rooms as he is film colorist for more than 16 years. During his teenage years, he worked in the lighting department of a theater. He has studied photography and cinematography at HELB Prigogine in Brussels. He has created the postproduction section in the same school. Post-production of cinema is his expertise. In addition to being a professor of color grading and post-production, he has graded over 50 films. Xavier has a tendency to save poorly looking films to give them back their colors.
His cat's name is Horse (he is also an Aquarius).
Xavier manages the technical part of Hors du bocal films.
Film you've watched 100000000 timesPersona by Ingmar Bergman
Most underrated filmJapan by Carlos Reygadas
Guilty pleasureThe Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Axelles has made a preparatory class and a Master's Degree in Cinema and Audiovisual in Paris la Sorbonne (including a semester at NYU New York University). She worked as a camerawoman and editor for brand, creative content and cinema. Passionate about illustration and graphic design, she brings an artistic eye to everything she touches
She is not Aquarius but Cancer!
Axelle has created Hors du bocal logo and make the graphic design of promotional assets (posters, trailers, promotional material) for Hors du bocal films.
Film you've watched 100000000 timesFrances Ha by Noah Baumbach
Most underrated filmsStarlet by Sean Baker
Guilty pleasure10 things I hate about you by Gil Junger