Co-produced by FACTSTORY, a subsidiary of AFP, the documentary Merckx in the spotlight at the International Film Festival Rotterdam
Directed by Boris Tilquin and Christophe Hermans, the new documentary Merckx dedicated to cycling champion Eddy Merckx, will be presented on Friday 31 January 2025 as a world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. This is a co-production of FACTSTORY, a subsidiary of AFP, in collaboration with the Belgian production companies Ka Visuel and Watertower in co-production with RTBF, ARTE G.E.I.E. and VRTT.
Combining rich archives with interviews with great champions, friends and biographers, the film takes us into the fascinating story of the grCombining rich archives with interviews with great champions, friends and biographers, the film takes us into the fascinating story of the greatest cyclist in history.
From 1967 to 1975, Eddy Merckx dominated cycling, winning five Tours de France, five Giros, three World Championships… A total of 625 victories. Nicknamed “The Cannibal,” he is a complex figure, both admired and controversial. This documentary explores his triumphs and the personal challenges that marked his career.
Criticised for his ruthless determination, he would become both the hero and the “man to beat” of cycling. But also, a symbol of national unity in a Belgium torn between Flemish and Walloon communities at a pivotal time in cycling.
Practical information:
Out in cinemas on February 7th in the Netherlands, February 27th in Belgium.
Later broadcast on RTBF, ART, VRT.
Directed by Christophe Hermans and Boris Tilquin
Edited by Aurélie Redoute, John Pirard
Running time: 84 minutes
Languages: French, Dutch, Italian
Contacts:
FACTSTORY Docs Documentary Unit: Yann Ollivier - yann.ollivier@factstory.agency
Ka Visuel: Patrick Lauber - patrick@kaos-films.com
International Sales: CLPB Rights - Véronique Commelin - veronique.commelin@clpbrights.com
Produced with the support of the Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the Tax Shelter of the Belgian federal government, La Loterie Nationale, Sabam for Culture, with the participation of the CNC and Procirep-Angoa, as well as the Uhoda Group.
About FACTSTORY
FACTSTORY is a creative audiovisual production agency, an integral part of the AFP group. Thanks to our international network, local teams are able to meet any video, photo and text expectations. Choosing FACTSTORY also means reducing production costs and carbon footprint. FACTSTORY Docs is the company’s documentary film production unit, launched in 2021 with film productions with international broadcasters such as ARTE, BBC, RTBF, SVT and RTS.