My feature film about the renowned Belgian photographer Herman Selleslags has known its cinema release in March 2024 and has been selected for several international film festivals. Canvas and AVROTROS will broadcast the documentary in December and January 2024/25.

The iconic archive of Herman Selleslags lies hidden behind the walls of his majestic but run-down mansion. An overwhelming collection unravels the story of an extraordinary photographer who has managed to sketch an exciting musical and social era, spanning more than 70 years. The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Edith Piaf, film stars, artists, and sports heroes – all the big names shared intimate moments in front of his camera. While some made front page, many of these unique pictures have never seen the daylight. Now they are all collecting dust, piled up to the ceilings.

The archive also includes the photographic heritage left by Herman’s father and the work by his son Jan. Thousands of prints conceal a complex, dual father-son relationship that has marked this family of photographers. Life Will Give you Pictures is a journey through Herman’s memories and thoughts. Wandering and rumbling from crunching floor to floor, life and work pass by. Behind the walls melancholia, history, and the eternal struggle between fathers and sons come together.

The mansion is for sale. Will the collection be rescued from oblivion and find its way out of the house to be discovered by the world?