Interview with actress Annick Van Couwenberghe: From the hit series ‘Move On’ to short movie ‘Kasteel’

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Actress Annick Van Couwenberghe has pursued several projects. She starred in the hit TV series Vloglab #Stories and Billie vs. Benjamin.

Actress Annick Van Couwenberghe has pursued several projects. She starred in the hit TV series Vloglab #Stories and Billie vs. Benjamin. More recently, she participated in episodes of Move On, on air on Vtm  Go, and tv series >> “Move On”, which aired on VRT1 and VRTMAX and whose online version has received millions of views.  

The last season of Dertigers airs on VRT Max on Monday June 23rd. You play Agnes in the TV series. Can you tell us something about your character?

Agnes is a single mother with two sons who makes ends meet by cleaning at the local school. She starts an affaire with the school director who is divorcing his wife, so their relationships has to stay secret in the beginning.
But as their relationship starts getting more serious and known to the public, she tries to find her place in her new family and tries very hard to fit in and win the trust of his daughters.

The show is now in its fourth season. What do you think is the reason for its success?

Well, there were actually four seasons with the old cast and now 2 screened seasons of the series with the new cast (that I’m part of) and the third season with the new cast in post-production. So you can definitely say the series is a succes !
I think the reason why is because it’s about everyday people who go through situations that people can relate to, but situations that are just that little bit more painful or sad or hilarious then in real life. So you can relate to the characters and root for them or crucify them or feel sorry for them as if you can really feel what they are going through. That to me is the biggest success factor of the series. And the huge load of humor too of course !

Why do you think it is so successful with young people?

The series is a youth series, and at the end of each episode the viewers can make a choice through social media how a certain scene will end. They get two choices and whichever choice has the most votes, will be broadcasted the week after. So the viewers can have a say about the outcome which is pretty unique ! That’s certainly part of the succes of the series, but also the typical teenage-coming-of age-situations that resonate with the viewers and that can help them with the problems they are dealing with in their own personal lives. And the main character played by Steffi Mercie is a well known influencer in Belgium. She stays in contact with her young fans as much as she can and loves to connect with them closely.

The preview of the short film Kastel took place a few days ago. How was it?

Well, I must congratulate Irina Du Plessis on the organisation of the premiere. We had a red carpet, but also banners, balloons and live music from the band Orange Blues. This band made the original score for our movie, which truly gives it an extra dimension. The music fits perfectly with the story of mystery and seduction. And it was great to hear Irina, who is our creator/director/editor, sing live together with the band.

Can you tell us something about your character?

I play the character “Anika”. She’s Henk’s wife and they have a passionate but complicated relationship. Their relationship comes under even more pressure when Henk meets Jade. Anika likes to be in control of things, but trying to keep control can lead to dramatic consequences. Especially when she finds herself also attracted to Jade. You can find the trailer of “Kasteel” on youtube : KASTEEL (2025) Official Trailer – Nicolas van Heuven, Annick Van Couwenberghe, Maud Arts

What did the audience appreciate most about the story and the short film?

I think what was must appreciated about the story is the mystery. The story leaves the viewer space to fill in the blanks of the story and make it your own. You can speculate on what happened in the end to our main characters. Who did what, where did they go and how will they ever recover ? The film was edited in an original non-chronological way which adds to the slow revelation and understanding of what these characters are to each other and leave you astonished about the coincidences in life. And afterwards the audience was treated to a short blooper reel of Nicolas (van Heuven), Maud (Arts) and me getting tongtwisted here and there. Always good to cut the tension with a laugh !

Can you tell us about new projects?

I’m thrilled to also share a small insight on the new project I’m working on called “Dreamscapes of the dispersed and echoes of aspiration” (working title). A project for which the teaser will be shot in Belgium this July. It’s a story about three different people with different skills, different backgrounds and different life situations. Nevertheless all three have something in common. They all aspire a lasting success in their profession as actors. This project is being developped by Vince J. Trenton who is our director and co-actor. We want to develop it into a pilot and drama series focusing for one part on the mental health issues that sadly lots of aspiring actors have to deal with. I’m part of the cast together with Trees Goethals, and I’m taking on part of the pitching together with Vince. We work together with Yorick Van Ska (sound and editing) and Jay Ramharakh (camera) as our crew. I’m looking forward to telling you more about the project in the near future.

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