XAVIER
DISKEUVE

Xavier Diskeuve was born in Namur in 1962. After earning a degree in Communication Arts and Sciences from the University of Liège, he began his career as a film critic at the first Namur International Francophone Film Festival in 1986. He then covered the filming of *C'est arrivé près de chez vous* for his newspaper—a pivotal encounter with Benoît Poelvoorde and the emerging Namur film scene.

A journalist, radio and TV writer, show producer, and self-taught filmmaker, he ventured into short films in 2002, developing a highly personal comedic style centered on the character of Jacques, a Belgian burlesque figure in the vein of Keaton. His first feature film, *Jacques a vu* (2014), marked his entry into the ranks of Belgian feature film directors.

He produces through Benzine, his Namur-based production company, and relies on a close-knit group of actors—François Maniquet, Nicolas Buysse, and Christelle Cornil. His films are deeply rooted in Wallonia and celebrate a natural Belgian identity, far removed from clichés.