Fabrice du Welz, Alleluia

Alleluia sees du Welz reteam with Calvaire’s Laurent Lucas (“my favourite actor”) and is the latest film inspired by real life killers Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez. “I was watching Arturo Ripstein’s Deep Crimson – it’s a great film adapted in Mexico from The Honeymoon Killers story – and I was thinking why not adapt this story in South Belgium just like Ripstein did with Mexico,” recalls du Welz.

Ahead of filming Alleluia, the Belgian film-maker had knowledge of all previous works inspired by Beck andFernandez, but is confident his take brings something new to the table. “I love the subject, the mad love, the storyline and the characters,” explains du Welz. “Alleluia is inspired from Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez but as you will see, it’s very far from the original material.”

Having had experience with Cannes before, du Welz in no doubt the boost that Cannes will provide his film. “Cannes is a great worldwide window for a movie, so I feel lucky and honoured to present Alleluia this year. Thanks to Cannes, Alleluia will probably travel all over the world. Cannes offers respect and legitimacy to directors and it’s priceless.”

While du Welz isn’t yet clear on what’s next (“I’m working on different projects and I hope to start something new as soon as possible”), he knows the main lesson he’s learnt since making his debut feature Calvaire. “To expect to make a good movie, you need to be well surrounded.”