Filming Is Under Way for L’Ordre Pourpre - Production / Funding - Belgium/France

Key Takeaways

• Second feature expands Belgian slasher genre.
• Filming wraps March 27 in Brussels, Wallonia.
• Supported by Wallimage, RTBF, Proximus, Be TV.
• Addresses toxic masculinity, racism, homophobia.
• Cast includes Victor Meutelet and singer Mentissa.

Summary

Thomas Ancora is shooting his second feature, *L’Ordre Pourpre*, an atypical slasher set in Wallonia that tackles toxic masculinity, racism and homophobia. The story follows a hazing‑related murder at an elite Belgian university and a subsequent revenge plot. Filming began on 2 March and will wrap on 27 March, with locations in Brussels and Wallonia. Production is backed by Les Gens Studio, Atypik Studio and a slate of regional funders including Wallimage, RTBF and Proximus.

Pulse Analysis

Genre filmmaking is beginning to carve a niche in French‑speaking Belgium, a market long‑held by socially conscious dramas. Ancora’s *L’Ordre Pourpre* follows recent experiments by directors such as Hélène Cattet, Bruno Forzani and Michiel Blanchart, showing that audiences are receptive to horror‑thriller hybrids that blend pop‑culture references with local issues. This shift reflects broader European trends where regional identities are expressed through genre conventions, offering fresh storytelling angles that attract both festival programmers and streaming curators.

The financing structure behind *L’Ordre Pourpre* illustrates how Belgian audiovisual policy nurtures riskier projects. Support from the Cinema and Audiovisual Centre of the Wallonia‑Brussels Federation, the Wallimage fund, and a federal tax‑shelter scheme reduces upfront risk for producers while guaranteeing local talent involvement. Partnerships with broadcasters like RTBF and Be TV, alongside corporate sponsor Proximus, provide additional pre‑sale windows and promotional clout. Such co‑production models are increasingly vital for mid‑budget genre films that need both creative freedom and market access.

Beyond economics, the film’s focus on hazing, privilege and systemic prejudice taps into universal concerns, positioning it for cross‑border relevance. By situating a classic slasher narrative within a Belgian university, Ancora creates a culturally specific yet globally resonant story that can appeal to horror fans and socially aware viewers alike. If the film secures festival exposure or a streaming deal, it could pave the way for more Belgian genre projects, encouraging investors to back similar ventures and expanding the country’s cinematic export portfolio.