Godmother & godfather

With this year's theme ‘science’ JEF festival playfully emphasises the omnipresence of science and technology, especially in the development of film and new media. This distinctive versatility also defines our many-sided ambassadors: Ben Segers and Jean Janssens.

Ben Segers

After graduating from Studio Herman Teirlinck in 1998, actor Ben Segers co-founded the theatre collective Olympique Dramatique, where he still performs regularly. Meanwhile, he became one of the most popular faces on the Flemish screens. You may know him from his film debut as police officer Nico in Any way the wind blows, as one of the stars in the sketch comedy series Wat als? (What if?), or as Luc Turlinkckx from Safety first. His most recent achievement is a celebrated dramatic role as a troubled star actor in the feature film Dealer, Jeroen Perceval's directing debut. In this film, Ben Segers demonstrates yet another side of his versatility. Why is he over the moon to be the JEF festival's godfather this year?

“I am nothing short of honoured to be a godfather. Shows and cartoons from my childhood linger in my memory to this day. Children and young people are fueled by great stories. They trigger the imagination in a time where short content seems to have become the norm.”

Jean Janssens

Actor Jean Janssens heard the call of the creative spotlight early on and started their stage career at the local theatre group in their native Olen. Yet they took a detour, via the military school in Brussels and a study in psychology, to end up on our screens. In 2018 they debuted as a 19-year-old in the Ketnet series Campus 12, followed by roles in D5R, telenovela Lisa, Ketnet musical Knock-Out and Ketnet series Schijtluizen. They dream of watching themselves on a big cinema screen, which is why they are the perfect ambassador of the JEF festival. Thanks to their latest role as Sari in the sci-fi series Gamekeepers, you can also ask them anything about this year's science theme and all the apps and games in the medialab.

“When I was asked to be festival godmother, I was extremely happy! I am very excited to see the films. Youth films helped shape my personality and my world view. For example, I identified a lot with the French film Tomboy, about 10-year-old Laure who pretends to be Mikhael in her new town.”