“Julie Keeps Quiet”, interview with the actresses Tessa Van den Broeck and Grace Biot

Fred Film Radio interviews “Julie Keeps Quiet” actresses Tessa Van den Broeck and Grace Biot at Alice nella Città. In this exclusive conversation, the two stars delve into the emotional depths of their characters and share insights on portraying themes of silence, resilience, and personal growth. Premiered at Cannes, this compelling film now competes at Alice nella Città, continuing its journey through international festivals.

The Characters: Julie and Lore’s Silent Strength

Van den Broeck, who portrays Julie, a 15-year-old tennis player, describes her character as “introverted, closer to herself and reluctant to open up to others.” She explains that Julie faces a profound challenge when her coach is suspended. This event becomes central to Julie’s silence as she struggles to process what happened. Grace Biot, who plays Laure, describes her role as one of quiet support. “Laure doesn’t always have to talk—just being there is enough to create a bond,” says Biot, reflecting on the importance of presence over words. Their connection on screen was built through extensive rehearsals, allowing them to “understand what Leonardo [Van Dijl ] wanted from Laure as a supportive figure for Julie,” Biot adds.

Behind the Scenes: First-Time Experiences and Bonds on Set

Reflecting on their time on set, Van den Broeck shares how she learned to appreciate the intricate details of filmmaking: “It was my first time ever on a set… the sound, the light, the camera. There are like 40 people behind it, and you never think about that if you just watch a movie!” For Biot, the experience of working with a large team and close-knit cast was equally eye-opening. She explains, “Leonardo made us feel so comfortable, and I think that upgraded our performance… from the moment he said ‘action,’ we were in character, but as soon as he said ‘cut,’ we’d go back to having fun together.”

Festival Journey and Audience Connection

The actresses also share the emotional experience of presenting “Julie Keeps Quiet” at festivals like Cannes and Alice nella Città. “It was the first time we were going to show it to an audience,”  Van den Broeck admits, describing her nervousness. “Everyone was clapping, some even crying… I never imagined we’d go to Cannes, let alone Italy. I thought it’d be a short movie in Belgium with maybe 50, 100 viewers.” Their journey reflects the film’s universal impact, resonating with diverse audiences worldwide.

A Message for Young Audiences: Empathy and Understanding

What do they hope young viewers take from the film? “I hope young people feel they’re not alone in this. There are others who’ve gone through what Julie has,” Van den Broeck says. Biot adds, “I hope they can reflect on their own silences and maybe open up to someone they trust.” Both actresses highlight that “Julie Keeps Quiet” is a reminder to check in with loved ones and reach out when we sense something might be wrong.

Plot