HEARTBREAK FOR BEGINNERS

In his final year at an all-boys school, Tom (17) is determined to win the heart of star athlete Z. Armed with charm and reckless hope, he dives headfirst into a whirlwind of crushes, awkward missteps, and gut-punching heartbreaks. But as the year unravels, Tom begins to realize that growing up isn't just about falling in love —it’s about learning when to let go, even when your heart’s not ready.

Based on the best-selling novel Kartonnen Dozen by Tom Lanoye.

  • writer-directors: Bavo Defurne & Yves Verbraeken

  • with: casting ongoing

  • producer:  Xavier Rombaut – Polar Bear (BE)

  • co-producers: Floor Onrust - Family Affair Films (NL), Guillaume Maladrin - Altitude 100 Production (BE)

  • genre: drama/comedy

  • country: Belgium

  • year: 2026

  • duration: 100 minutes

  • Distribution Belgium: Kinepolis Film Distribution

  • Sales agent: Kinepolis Film Distribution in collaboration with Dutch Film Works

  • with the support of: Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF), Screen Flanders, Tax shelter of the Belgian federal government via Mohow!, RTBF, VRT, Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel - CFWB, Netherlands Film Fund

  • stage: in pre-production