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

Morceaux de Cannes
Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles
Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles

1976

as Neighbor (voice) (uncredited)

Je Tu Il Elle
Je Tu Il Elle

1974

as Julie

Pictures of Europe
Delphine and Carole
Delphine and Carole

2020

as Self (archive footage)

What Is Cinema?
What Is Cinema?

2013

as Self

Seven Women, Seven Sins
Seven Women, Seven Sins

1986

as Film Director (segment Portrait d'une Paresseuse)

Family Business
Family Business

1984

as Self

Porto
Porto

2017

as (voice)

News from Home
News from Home

1977

as Narrator (voice)

La chambre
La chambre

1972

as Self - On her bed

Birth of a Nation
Birth of a Nation

1997

as Self

The Beloved Child, or I Play at Being a Married Woman
In Her Own Words
In Her Own Words

2024

as Self

Calling the Shots
Calling the Shots

1988

as Self

The Art of Time
The Art of Time

2009

as Self

Tell Me
Tell Me

1980

as Self

Down There
Down There

2006

as Self (voice)