We understand the challenges of bringing a film to life. However, what is often overlooked is the crucial next step: distribution.
Making films is an art, and ensuring your story is seen is an art in itself. You put your heart, soul, tears, and money into producing, directing a film, and when it’s finished, you’re faced with a harsh reality: it's hard to make it seen.
Hors du Bocal is an international film sales company based in Liège and Brussels, Belgium, dedicated to defending original independent art-house films with ambition, to discover emerging filmmakers of today and the talents of tomorrow.
Founded on the belief that the film industry continues to be shaped by deep structural inequalities — in access to film education, professional networks, and production resources — the company champions the idea that diversity, inclusion, and innovation also come through stories that break convention and push boundaries. The name Hors du bocal — French for “Out of the Fishbowl” — reflects this commitment to films that think differently, and exist outside the expected frame.
The catalogue focuses on a passionate and curated selection of around a dozen films, largely composed of short films. Notable titles include "Un Invincible été" (Invincible Summer) by Arnaud Dufeys (Berlinale – Generation; Belgium), "Mascarade Origin Story" by Maïlis (Clermont-Ferrand Festival; Canada), "Radikals" by Arvin Belarmino (Cannes Critics’ Week; Philippines), "Phoenix" by Roxanne Peguet (BIFFF; Luxembourg), "Suleyman" by Mehdi and Yanis Hamnane (Côté Court Pantin; France), and "Bingo" by Fanny Ruwet (Cabourg Film Festival; Belgium, France).
We are proud to support self-produced short films from mostly self-taught filmmakers whose careers we actively support, including "Shellshock" (Guerre Chaude) by Rafi El Watik (Palm Springs; France), "Makan" by Ghanwa Rana (Francophone Festival of Acadie; France, Pakistan), "The Sky Above the City" (Le Ciel au-dessus de la Ville) by Rosalie Loncin (Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film; France), as well as the student film "Ruby Alia Ritchy" by Mika Baudoux (Warsaw Festival; Belgium).
As well as the feature documentaries Les Miennes ((Y)our Mother) by Samira El Mouzghibati, produced by Michigan (Belgium) (Visions du Réel – FIPRESCI Award, Marrakech International Film Festival) and Okurimono (Visions du Réel, Hot Docs) as well as "Okurimono" by Laurence Lévesque (Canada), produced by Meta Films and presented at Visions du Réel, Hot Docs, and RIDM.
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.
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 festivals strategy 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
Sumaya was born in Paris and studied cinema and literature at the Sorbonne, before continuing with a Master’s in film studies with a focus on feminist film theory, while also gaining hands-on experience in production. She joined Lilies Films, an independent film production company, where she worked for three years across development, shoots, and post-production, always with an eye on the human side of filmmaking.
She's particularly interested in how to create working conditions that are thoughtful, respectful, and genuinely collaborative.
She likes clear structures, strange stories, and people who know how to listen.
Film you've watched 100000000 timesMy Neighbour Totoro by Hayao Miyazaki
Most underrated filmBlindspotting by Carlos López Estrada
Guilty pleasureThe entire Twilight Saga
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 filmStarlet by Sean Baker
Guilty pleasure10 things I hate about you by Gil Junger
After completing a Master's degree in Dramatic Arts at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, Elisa went on to earn a Master's in Film Writing and Analysis at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. It was during this time that she took her first steps in production, specifically as a development executive. At the same time, she directs plays, is part of a cabaret/drag troupe, occasionally works as a stage manager in opera, and acts in films. She's currently working on the production of a short movie and the creation of a play premiering next fall in Brussels.
A textbook Leo with an Aquarius rising— safe to say it's not easy everyday.
Cléo de 5 à 7 by Agnès Varda
Most underrated filmPaterson by Jim Jarmusch
Guilty pleasureHow to lose a guy in 10 days by Donald Petrie