a tribute to Walther Vanden Ende

Cinematographer Walther Vanden Ende started his career in 1975,  shooting films for Belgians leading directors like Gérard Corbiau, Jaco Van Dormael, André Delvaux, Stijn Coninx, Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne, Robbe De Hert, Marion Hänsel, Vincent Bal, Raoul Servais. In doing so he shaped the look of Belgian films and influenced future generations of filmmakers. International acclaim soon followed landing him films like Noce en Galilé by Michel Khleifi, Left Luggage by Jeroen Krabbé, Joyeux Noël by Christian Carion and the  Oscar winner No Man’s Land by Danis Tannic. Besides several nominations at the Camerimage and Manaki festivals he was awarded the European Cinematographer of the year award for his work on Toto le héros in 1991.

He is widely know for his classic soft but dark lighting style and his fine attention to the global image of a film through the use of set and costume design. But also for his commitment to the story telling of films, as he puts it himself ” the camera is just a means to that end, the story”.

As a tribute to his career the Ostend Filmfestival presented him with an honorary Ensor award for his achievements. He was joined at the ceremony by many of his close collaborators and directors.

Cameraman: Dries Vanderaerden
Sound recordist: Arne Thomas

Ritcs Coordinator: Johan Apers

Set photography: Didier Frateur

with thanks to Ritcs, Film Festival Oostende