Ben X Belgium’s Academy Award entry

Nic Balthazar's feature film debut Ben X is the Belgian Oscar entry for Best Foreign-language picture.

A jury of Dutch speaking and French speaking professionals voted unanimously for Ben X.

Ben is mildly autistic and a target for the school bullies. Fuelled by his signature video game and inspired by his mystery girl on the web, he stages a cunning plan to change his life and that of his tormentors.

The film premiered at the Montreal Film Festival (23 August – 3 September 2007) and won three major prizes: Prix des Amériques, the Public Award and the Prize by the Ecumenical Jury. French-based Films Distribution engaged itself for international distribution.
 
Ben X is produced by MMG with the support of the Flanders Audiovisual Fund.

The nominees for Academy Awards will be announced on 22 January 2008. The oscar ceremony will take place on 24 February 2008 in Hollywood.