La proie (2012)

A taut Belgian short film about an escaped convict caught between a longed-for fresh start and the inescapable pull of his past.

La proie - Movie Information

  • Original Title: La proie
  • Release Year: 2012
  • Directed by: Jonas Baeckeland
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Crime
  • Runtime: 16m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: French, Dutch
  • Release Date (Theatrical): September 11, 2012 (Belgium)

La proie - Plot

Ali Toumi, born Algerian, has just escaped from a Belgian prison. Buying a new identity he hopes to make a fresh start and provide his son and himself with a normal integrated life. But an encounter with an old acquaintance makes Ali relapse into old habits.

Where to Watch La proie

Looking for where to watch La proie?

La proie - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Jonas Baeckeland

Main Cast

  • Sebastien Dewaele
  • Jan Hammenecker
  • Jeroen Perceval
  • Mourade Zeguendi

Writers

  • Wouter van Haver
  • Jonas Baeckeland

La proie - FAQs

What is La proie about?

La proie follows Ali Toumi, an Algerian-born man who escapes from a Belgian prison and purchases a new identity hoping to rebuild his life alongside his son. His plans for a clean break unravel when a chance encounter with an old acquaintance drags him back into the criminal world he was trying to leave behind.

Is La proie worth watching?

If you enjoy tightly crafted short films with a strong dramatic punch, La proie is well worth your time. At just 16 minutes, Jonas Baeckeland delivers a focused, atmospheric crime-drama that explores identity, temptation, and the difficulty of escaping one's past — all without overstaying its welcome.

Where can you stream La proie?

You can watch La proie for free on myfilmfriend. It's a great option if you're looking to discover quality short films without any subscription cost.

Does La proie explore themes of identity and redemption?

Absolutely. At its core, La proie wrestles with the question of whether a person can truly reinvent themselves. Ali's decision to buy a new identity is both literal and symbolic — a desperate bid for reinvention that the film tests against the stubborn pull of his past and the people in it.

Who are the main actors in La proie?

The cast features Sebastien Dewaele, Jan Hammenecker, Jeroen Perceval, and Mourade Zeguendi. It's a compact ensemble well-suited to the short film format, with each performer contributing to the film's tense, grounded atmosphere.

Why does Ali relapse in La proie?

The film suggests that Ali's relapse isn't simply a matter of weakness — it's the result of circumstance, social ties, and the near-impossibility of escaping a world that keeps closing in around him. The encounter with an old acquaintance acts as a catalyst, exposing how fragile his new identity really is.

Who directed and wrote La proie?

La proie was directed by Jonas Baeckeland, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Wouter van Haver. The Belgian short film premiered at a festival in September 2012 and showcases Baeckeland's interest in character-driven crime narratives.

What are similar films to La proie?

If La proie resonates with you, consider exploring The Unforgivable (2021), Òlòtūré (2019), or True Believer (1989) — all films that examine characters navigating crime, identity, and the struggle for a second chance. Above the Rim (1994) and Siberian Education (2013) also share thematic common ground.

More About La proie

Explore further details and databases for La proie below.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error