Belgian film director Joachim Lafosse faces 12 separate harassment accusations from female colleagues, according to the French daily newspaper Libération. Lafosse denies all allegations.
A cohort of screenwriters, actresses and technicians say that Lafosse harassed colleagues on set during his 20-year career. He humiliated, belittled and put psychological pressure on others he worked with.
Some colleagues also allege a sexualised environment with unwelcome advances, condemning an "exploitative system" and a "predatory pattern" established on set.
The probe into Lafosse began following the Magritte Awards in 2022, when film editor Sophie Vercruysse made a speech deploring that "the world of cinema, including in Belgium, is all too often a world where abuse of power is seen as inherent to the discipline [...] this system must end."
Vercruysse worked with Lafosse on six films and eventually recounted her personal experiences with him to Libération, confirming that her remarks at the award ceremony targeted the 49-year-old director.
Sophie Vercruysse at the Magritte du Cinema awards ceremony. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
'He pushed me to the limit'
Lafosse's actions have become known as the 'Lafosse Method' among those affected by his behaviour.
Belgian actress Virginie Efira, who worked with Lafosse on the film Continuer (2019), suggests that the filming experience was possibly one of the "worst" of her career. "He pushed me to the limit, but everyone was against him. The producers couldn't take it any more."
Valérie Houdart, an assistant director on the film Ça rend heureux (2006), had a similar experience. "We were the last two people working in the office. Joachim pushes me into a corner, between a wall and a door, and kisses me. Mechanically, I respond to this big tongue in my mouth and then run away."
The affected individuals have not yet lodged an official complaint. In an emailed response to the allegations, Lafosse told Libération that he "never intentionally sought to hurt or humiliate anyone". He does, however, admit to possibly having been "brusque, stressed and anxious", particularly during his early films.
Lafosse, originally from Uccle, first gained a name for himself in 2001 when his graduation project Tribu was named the best short film at the Namur Film Festival in 2001. His creations have since taken in numerous awards, such as Folie Privée (his first long-feature film in 2004) and Ça rend heureux. His next film is due to begin shooting this year.
