Chantal Akerman

Chantal Akerman

1950-06-06 – 2015-10-05 (age 65) Brussels, Belgium
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Biography

Chantal Anne Akerman (June 6, 1950 – October 5, 2015) was a Belgian film director, artist and professor of film at the City College of New York. Her best-known film is Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975).

Despite being categorised as such by others, Akerman frequently distanced herself from the feminist label, explaining, "when people say there is a feminist film language, it is like saying there is only one way for women to express themselves". Instead, Akerman acknowledged that her cinematic approach took inspiration from the writings of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, as well as from filmmakers Michael Snow and Jean-Luc Godard.

Many directors have cited Akerman's directorial style as an influence on their work. Kelly Reichardt, Gus Van Sant, and Sofia Coppola have noted their exploration of filming in real time as a tribute to Akerman.

Photos

Known For

Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles
Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles

1976

as Neighbor (voice) (uncredited)

Chantal Akerman, From Here
Morceaux de Cannes
Je Tu Il Elle
Je Tu Il Elle

1974

as Julie

Family Business
Family Business

1984

as Self

Tell Me
Tell Me

1980

as Self

Pictures of Europe
News from Home
News from Home

1977

as Narrator (voice)

Son chant
Son chant

2021

as Self

Down There
Down There

2006

as Self (voice)

Guest
Guest

2011

as Self

Porto
Porto

2017

as (voice)

Delphine and Carole
Delphine and Carole

2020

as Self (archive footage)

In Her Own Words
In Her Own Words

2024

as Self

The Man with the Suitcase
The Man with the Suitcase

1983

as The Woman

What Is Cinema?
What Is Cinema?

2013

as Self

Birth of a Nation
Birth of a Nation

1997

as Self