"Julie Keeps Quiet" director Leonardo Van Dijl's cinematic journey took an interesting turn when he was joined by professional tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou for a Q & A after a recent screening in Los Angeles. This event led to a deep discussion about Belgium's entry for Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars. Watch the full video interview below to gain insights into this captivating film.

Unraveling the Silence in "Julie Keeps Quiet"

Julie - A Star Player at an Elite Tennis Academy

Julie (Tessa Van den Broeck) shines as a prominent player within an elite tennis academy. Her life takes a significant turn when her coach faces an investigation and is suddenly suspended. This situation prompts all the club's players to consider speaking up, yet Julie makes the decision to remain silent. It's a choice that sets the stage for the complex narrative that unfolds in the film.

One of the film's executive producers is four-time Grand Slam tennis champion, Naomi Osaka. Her presence added an extra layer of significance to the screening, as she introduced the film to a packed audience including Academy members, press, and other invited guests at the Creative Artists Agency. The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Critics’ Week section on May 18, 2024, where it won the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution and SACD Award. This early recognition set the tone for the film's potential impact.

Inspiration and Themes in "Julie Keeps Quiet"

When discussing the inspiration for his feature film debut, Van Dijl referred to a quote from Toni Morrison. He said, "If you want to read the book but it hasn't been written yet, then go write it." This quote became the driving force behind his approach to the story. Van Dijl believed that before silence is broken, there will always be silence, and he saw an opportunity to bring a new angle to a narrative that was already happening.

He continued, "We should all care for the well-being of Julie and her entire generation and how we can create a safe place for them. We all should be part of that conversation and think in new ways to take care of each other because ultimately a safe world for Julie will be a safer world for all of us." This message emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment and considering the well-being of others.

Sports as a Metaphor for Society

Although Van Dijl isn't an avid tennis player himself, he recognized that this story would lend itself well to the sports world. He explained, "It's a metaphor for society. You can relate to it because many people play sports. But it was never the intention in that way to say, 'Look at this world of sports, such a dirty world, it's corrupted or something.' That wasn't the intention. It was more like if I do it in sports, maybe I can use that approach to be hands-on in that way. It's a world that is always trying to improve, because if you improve the results, you will be a better athlete. So that's why I wanted to do it in sports, not to attack them, but because I felt like it was a safe place to have this silence of Julie."

This perspective highlights how sports can serve as a microcosm for society, allowing for exploration and growth. Van Dijl's decision to set the story in the sports world added depth and relevance to the narrative.

The "Good Coach" in the Film

Mouratoglou, who has coached tennis greats Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, among others, was Van Dijl's inspiration for the character who plays the "good coach" in the film. He admitted, "I had absolutely no idea. The movie is incredible because there is so much that we can imagine behind the silence. There is also so much that we can feel, that she's trapped. I felt that she was trapped because she felt it was very complex, but she was going through this, but she couldn't talk. She thinks she needs him to progress, so that's why she's trapped. And yeah, he's very manipulative. He's making it all about him. She's probably sure that without him she has no chance, and tennis is her life."

This portrayal of the coach-dilemma brings to light the complex relationships and power dynamics within the sports world and beyond. It shows how one's actions can have a profound impact on others.

The "Kind Eye" Approach to Coaching

Mouratoglou uses a "kind eye" approach to coaching, focusing on an athlete's best qualities rather than their worst. He stated, "Whenever I ask a coach, and I often do, 'Tell me about your player,' the first thing I hear most of the time is, 'His problem is…' as a first sentence. So talking about kind eye, yes, there are always some things to solve. That's our job. We are problem solvers. If the player is number 100 and not number one, it's because there are a lot of things to solve. But they don't even think about the positive things to say about the player, they immediately jump to the problems."

This approach emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and looking beyond flaws. It shows how a different coaching style can make a significant difference in an athlete's development.

Creating Safe Spaces in Film Production

Van Dijl wanted to lead his film by example, always creating safe spaces for all involved, particularly his young lead actress. One of the rules he implemented was that nobody would ever have to be alone. He described, "I don't want to be alone with [Tessa]. I will be the director and I want to always create the possibility for her to say no. And I will not travel alone with her for this film. It's not because I'm not trustworthy, it's because I am trustworthy. It's not only protecting her, but it's also protecting me in that way. I don't have the sole responsibility for the well-being of Tessa because I share it with somebody else. You understand what I'm saying? We need to really invest in what is healthy coaching, because I was able to direct this fairly dramatic movie in a very un-dramatic way. Very hands-on and where all the children had the best summer camp, and they're not deeply troubled walking out of it."

This commitment to creating a safe environment highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships and the well-being of those involved in the creative process.

"Julie Keeps Quiet" is expected to be released nationwide in the US in early 2025, promising to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

Harlem, NY is home to the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP), a neighborhood nonprofit dedicated to shaping champions both on and off the tennis court. With a rich history since 1972, the program now aims to expand and serve even more. Executive director Katrina Adams emphasizes the need for growth while staying at the Harlem Armory Center.

Ambitious Dream: A Public Indoor Tennis Facility

The dream is to create the first public indoor tennis facility in Manhattan, along with outdoor courts. Adams envisions 16 tennis courts - eight indoor and eight outdoor - in a building that could span an entire city block. This facility would include classrooms, locker rooms, a cafeteria, community spaces, and administrative offices. It would be a self-sustaining public facility, renting court time, running clinics and leagues, and hosting events. Currently serving over 800 children with a waitlist of 500, the new facility would increase capacity to approximately 2,500 students annually. 1: The significance of this expansion cannot be overstated. Not only would it serve more youth in Harlem but also kids from all over the city. Tennis is a healthy sport, and the adults also need health and wellness opportunities. It would become a hub for the community, providing a space for people of all ages to come together and engage in this wonderful sport. 2: With 16 courts, the program would be able to offer a wide range of tennis activities and programs. From beginner lessons to advanced competitions, there would be something for everyone. This would help to develop a love for tennis in the community and potentially lead to more players reaching the highest levels of the sport.

Fundraising and Real Estate Options

To achieve its vision, HJTEP is exploring multiple real estate options. This includes purchasing property, a long-term lease, or a partnership with a developer or other entity. Finding suitable space in Harlem is a challenge due to high property costs and limited availability. A comprehensive request for proposals (RFP) is being finalized and will soon be distributed to attract potential partners and investors. 1: The organization is also preparing a capital campaign to fund the project, which will include selling naming rights for the facility. Adams estimates that the raise could be between $50 to $75 million, depending on the location. This is a significant amount, but Adams is confident that there are many people who would want to support this initiative. 2: By selling naming rights, HJTEP can attract corporate sponsors and individuals who are passionate about tennis and education. This would not only provide the necessary funds for the expansion but also bring in additional resources and support for the program. It would be a win-win situation for both the organization and the sponsors.

Lessons from Past Successes

Mirante, who is advising HJTEP, likened the expansion to his previous work with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Over a decade ago, he helped Ailey realize a transformative vision for a new building, overcoming financial and logistical challenges. Just like Judith Jamison at Alvin Ailey, Adams understands the importance of a permanent home for the program. 1: Mirante recalled how Judith Jamison got up and said they needed a new building. At first, there was doubt about the financial aspect, but with the help of the board and supporters, they were able to find the right building. Similarly, HJTEP is working hard to make their dream a reality. 2: The success of the Alvin Ailey project shows that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. HJTEP is taking inspiration from this and is confident that they can achieve their goals. They have a dedicated team and a strong community behind them, and they are ready to take on the challenges ahead.

Timing and Collaboration

Mirante believes that this kind of project really takes a village. The key is to manage the timing so that when they find the site, they are able to execute on it. The group will soon meet with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Mayor Eric Adams' office. 1: Adams hopes to cut the ribbon at the end of 2028, which is a fast track. However, 2029 would be ideal. This shows the organization's commitment to moving forward and making their expansion a reality. 2: Collaboration with the city and other organizations will be crucial in making this project a success. By working together, they can overcome any obstacles and create a world-class tennis facility in Harlem.Adams has been with HJTEP for nearly 20 years and joined the organization because she understood and believed in its mission. She grew up in inner-city Chicago and knows the power of tennis to transform lives. More information about HJTEP is available here.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.