Chantal Akerman

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.

Known For

Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles

as Neighbor (voice) (uncredited)

Je Tu Il Elle

as Julie

News from Home

as Narrator (voice)

Blow Up My Town

as The girl

Porto

as (voice)

The Room

as Self - On her bed

No Home Movie

as Self

What Is Cinema?

as Self

From the Other Side

as Self (Narrator - Interviewer)

I Don't Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman

as Self