WWII Camp Drama 'Breendonk' Premieres at Series Mania

The six-part limited series "Breendonk" is making its world premiere at Series Mania on March 25th, with the screening of its first two episodes. This Belgian co-production, born from a desire to bring a crucial yet under-told part of history to fiction, delves into the atrocities of World War II Nazi occupation. It focuses on the infamous Breendonk labor camp, a site of immense suffering located near Antwerp.

Actor Kevin Janssens, who initiated and co-directed the series, felt compelled to share this story due to its personal proximity and the historical void in fictional portrayals. Alongside co-director Filip Lenaerts, they aimed to craft a narrative that balances the harsh realities of the camp with captivating storytelling and complex characters.

The series, a Belgian co-production involving De Mensen, Anagram, VRT, Streamz, and New8, features a cast of veteran and rising Flemish actors. It intentionally explores the moral ambiguity and dilemmas faced by individuals during this period, rather than solely focusing on heroic resistance.

"Breendonk" is highlighted by its producers and distributors, including VRT and Studio TF1, as a powerful local story with universal resonance. Its relevance is underscored by the directors, who draw parallels between the historical events and contemporary global conflicts, emphasizing the enduring importance of remembering such periods of history and the ease with which ordinary people can be drawn into systems of oppression.