Campfire (2000)
A Belgian short film about a boy scout whose camping trip ignites questions of desire, identity, and first love.
Campfire - Movie Information
- Original Title: Kampvuur
- Release Year: 2000
- Directed by: Bavo Defurne
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 21m
- Original Language: Dutch
- Spoken Languages: Dutch
- Production Companies: Laïka Films, Gelijke Kansen in Vlaanderen, Fonds Film in Vlaanderen
- Production Countries: Belgium
- Alternative Titles: Campfire (US), Feu de camp (FR), Tábortűz (HU), Ognisko (PL), Лагерный костер (RU), Campfire (UK), Kamp Ateşi (TR), Am Lagerfeuer (DE)
Campfire - Plot
First love — but is a boy scout's true desire for his girlfriend or for his best friend? A tension-filled camping trip leads to revelations of self-discovery.
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Campfire - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bavo Defurne
Main Cast
- Joram Schurmans
- Koen Van Heule
- Circé Lethem
- Maarten Verbeuren
Writers
- Bavo Defurne
Producers
- Yves Verbraeken
Campfire - FAQs
What is Campfire about?
Campfire follows Tijl, a boy scout on a tension-filled camping trip who begins to question whether his feelings belong to his girlfriend or his best friend. This quietly powerful Belgian short is a sensitive portrait of adolescent self-discovery, desire, and the confusion of first love.
Does Campfire have a gay storyline?
Yes. At its heart, Campfire explores a young boy scout's dawning awareness of same-sex attraction. Director Bavo Defurne handles the theme with sensitivity and restraint, letting emotional tension speak for itself rather than spelling everything out — making the film resonate long after it ends.
Where can you watch Campfire online?
You can check current streaming availability for Campfire on JustWatch, which tracks where the film can be rented, purchased, or streamed across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country.
Who directed the short film Campfire?
Campfire was directed by Bavo Defurne, a Belgian filmmaker known for his lyrical, visually poetic approach to queer coming-of-age stories. He also wrote the screenplay. Defurne later directed the acclaimed feature North Sea Texas (2011), which explores similar themes of longing and identity.
Who are the main actors in Campfire?
The cast features Joram Schurmans as Tijl, Koen Van Heule as best friend Wout, Circé Lethem as girlfriend Ineke, and Maarten Verbeuren as Carl. The young ensemble brings a natural, unforced quality to the film's quietly charged emotional dynamics.
How long is the short film Campfire?
Campfire runs just 21 minutes — a compact runtime that suits its intimate storytelling perfectly. Bavo Defurne makes every minute count, building emotional tension through glances, silences, and small gestures rather than lengthy dialogue or dramatic confrontations.
What are some films similar to Campfire?
If Campfire resonated with you, try Get Real (1998), Beach Rats (2017), Maurice (1987), or Love, Simon (2018) — all exploring queer identity and the complexity of first love. Edge of Seventeen (1999) and Benjamin (2019) are also well worth seeking out.
Was Campfire screened at any film festivals?
Campfire made the rounds on the international short film festival circuit after its 2000 release, gaining recognition for its sensitive portrayal of LGBT themes. These early shorts, including Campfire, helped establish Bavo Defurne as a distinctive and celebrated voice in Belgian queer cinema.
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