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