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. Join us at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity from November 1 – 9, 2025 for the 50th Anniversary of the Festival in Banff, Alberta! The nine-day festival showcases live events with adventurers, authors, photographers, and filmmakers sharing their inspiring stories.
Online films are also available to watch throughout the year on Banff on Demand.
To find out more about the Festival, World Tour, and related programs, please visit banffcentre.ca/banffmountainfestival.
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.