After travelling around the world to promote award-winning film Subterranean, director François-Xavier De Ruydts shifted his focus from cinematic landscapes to the vibrant, calm life on his farm in Belgium. Years spent exploring the world through a camera lens led him back to his roots, where he sought a deeper connection to nature. Now, he raises chickens and sells fresh eggs to his neighbors in Brussels, building meaningful connections with family and his community.
Fix, as friends and family call him, hasn’t closed the door to filmmaking permanently. When asked about it, he smiles and shares that this new phase can be worthy of a great story. While nurturing his land, he sees his storytelling evolving, merging the joys of sustainable living with his cinematic vision.
The director of Subterranean admits that although not actively planning or producing any projects, he keeps his favourite camera close, ever interested in making the world a better place - both environmentally and socially. After spending 12 years as a photographer and then over a decade in film, he learned that his pool of energy is not infinite. This realization deepened his appreciation for balance, reminding him that the most meaningful adventures often happen in our own backyards.
Author: Nazareth Araújo, Porter O'Brien Agency
Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is a globally recognized event and tour celebrating the beauty, adventure, and culture of mountains globally. The nine-day festival will be held from October 26 through to November 3 this year and features over 70 events, bringing films and stories of adventure and exploration from around the world to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta. The festival showcases live events with adventurers, authors, photographers, and filmmakers sharing their inspiring stories.
Online films are available in Canada and the United States from November 6 to 13.
Please visit banffcentre.ca/film-fest for more information.
Media Contact
Interested in reporting on this or any other Banff Centre story? Members of the media can reach out to communications@banffcentre.ca for more information.