FAN LETTER, 15min., Belgium
Directed by Zeb Daemen
Set in the glamorous 1950s, Fan Letter follows Ricky, a renowned singer at the height of his fame. One evening, before another sold-out show, Ricky receives a letter from someone he thought was lost to time—his first love, whom he hasn’t heard from in years. Attached to the letter is a phone number.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The idea for Fan Letter started when I came across old images of Elvis reading fan mail. There was something captivating about those moments. This massive star, adored by millions, yet sitting alone with handwritten letters, connecting with fans in such a personal yet distant way. That led me down a rabbit hole, researching actual fan letters from the time, and what struck me was how deeply emotional and devoted they were. These young women poured their hearts into these letters, idolizing someone they’d never truly know.
At the same time, I’ve always been fascinated by the 1950s. The music, the culture, and especially how it was marketed almost exclusively to a young female audience. But beneath that glossy, dreamy surface, there was a much harsher reality, especially for artists. Around this time, I also watched the documentary on Tab Hunter, and his story really stuck with me, the pressures of fame, the sacrifices, and the hidden truths behind these carefully curated public images.
Once this idea took hold, it became my passion project. I kept thinking about what it would be like for an artist to look back at a life built on a bargain they couldn’t fully understand at the time, what they gained, but more importantly, what they lost. Ricky’s story grew from that, and I knew I had to tell it.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I first came up with the idea in early 2022. Together with my screenwrite Josh, we initially developed a much larger script and submitted it for funding. Unfortunately, we weren’t selected, but I couldn’t let go of the story. I believed in it too much.
Rather than shelving the project, we went back to the script, refining and reshaping it into something more intimate and focused. In the end, I decided to fund the film myself. While that came with certain limitations, it also gave me complete creative freedom to bring the story to life exactly as I envisioned it.
With an incredible team on board, we shot the film over three days in May 2024. Post-production, including editing and final touches, wrapped in December 2024. It was a long journey from the first spark of an idea to the finished film, but every challenge along the way only made the project more meaningful. I’m so proud of it.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Hauntingly nostalgic
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Money. Haha.
Of course, making a film is never easy. It’s a complex process with countless moving parts ,but honestly, I loved every bit of it. The challenges made it evenmore fulfilling, and seeing everything come together in the end was incredibly rewarding.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Really sweet! Nice to hear that people have a good reaction to the film.
Also a little strange.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve been fascinated by film for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are watching E.T., The Little Mermaid, and Splash as a kid. I was completely mesmerized by the magic.
The visuals mostly.
By the time I was 12, that fascination turned into action. I started making little videos, roping in my sisters as actors, and creating short films that we would then (enthusiastically) force our family to watch. It was pure creativity and fun, but looking back, that was the start of everything.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
E.T. A single Man, The Shawshank Redemption, the talented mr ripley.. pride and prejudice
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
It’s always great to have a win at a festival. Grateful!
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Very good.
10. What is your favorite meal?
anything chicken
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Absolutely! A new idea has already taken root in my mind. I can see it so clearly. Now, it’s just a matter of letting it grow and to write it.
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