Filmmaker Charlotte (25) Makes Her Hollywood Debut with Her First Short Film: “I Had Never Stood on a Red Carpet Before”
- Charlotte Verminck
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Chris Thienpondt for Nieuwsblad | Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 06:00
MIDDELBURG – From Maldegem to Hollywood: the first short film Mind of Thoughts by filmmaker Charlotte Verminck (25) from Middelburg had its international world premiere at the legendary TCL Chinese 6 Theatres. “It’s still hard to grasp,” Charlotte says. “Especially in such an iconic venue where so many of my favorite filmmakers also had their premieres.”
At the age of ten, Charlotte was already making and editing small videos at home. “I still remember how natural it felt. It didn’t feel like ‘work’ or ‘a future job’ - it was just what I did. Like breathing, in a way. Hollywood back then felt like something from another world.”
Filmmakers from Around the World
And now look: fifteen years later, the filmmaker from Middelburg celebrates her Hollywood premiere with the psychological drama Mind of Thoughts. At the 25th edition of the Beverly Hills Film Festival, in a top location - the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres. Later, there was an Awards Gala at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom, the legendary venue of the Golden Globe Awards.
“It’s still hard to grasp. Especially in such an iconic venue where so many of my favorite filmmakers have premiered their work.” — Charlotte Verminck, filmmaker
“I received truly wonderful reactions from the audience. As a young creator from Middelburg, this was an unforgettable experience,” she says.
Dreams
“It was incredible to be able to screen our film in Hollywood. We stood there with a project we had made with so much love and dedication, and suddenly we were among filmmakers from all over the world. We had openly dreamed of how beautiful it would be to be selected by an American festival. Sometimes it feels like the universe listens - if you dare to dream out loud.”
A part of the film was also screened at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom - the legendary location of the Golden Globes.
Getting Used to the Red Carpet
Charlotte, who directed, wrote, and produced the international premiere completely on her own, had interned in Los Angeles five years earlier.
“Back then, I barely encountered the glamorous side of Hollywood. No red carpets, no paparazzi - and honestly, I wasn’t looking for it either. So, the premiere of my own film on Hollywood Boulevard was a completely new experience. I had never stood on a red carpet before, let alone given interviews on the spot. It took some getting used to - but it was also so much fun.”
Maldegem on the Big Screen in LA
Several scenes were filmed in Charlotte’s own home and other locations in Middelburg. There was even a spectacular helicopter shot in Maldegem.
“I had the chance to weave a piece of my own world into this film,” Charlotte says. “It’s incredible that my very first film is premiering in Hollywood - but just as incredible that a bit of Maldegem will be seen on that screen. I’m deeply grateful that I could integrate my home region into this international production.”
Still Dreaming of Hollywood
So yes, she’s crazy about Maldegem - but even more in love with LA.
“Surrounded by nature and silence, Middelburg gives me so much space for creativity.
A lot of my ideas were born here. But it has always been my dream to move to the United States. This film had to go there. It was a conscious step, because I want to continue building my career in the States.”
In a few days, Charlotte and her short film will travel to the Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival - again in Los Angeles. After that, the journey continues to New York and Reims, France, for the Red Movie Awards. A Belgian premiere will follow later.
A Source of Inspiration for Young Creatives
Charlotte hopes her journey will inspire other young creatives from the region to follow their own voice. “It was here in Middelburg that the idea for the film was born. That this story, born in Maldegem, is now being screened in Hollywood - it feels almost unreal.”
