Interview with Jelle Palmaerts, Paul Mertens and Peter Janssens Protagonists of ’Little Baby Jesus of Flandr’

Have you acted for cinema before, or is it your first experience?

Jelle Palmaerts: I already starred in 2 Flemish films, and I had goosebumps when I saw Little Baby Jesus of Flandr for the first time.

Paul Mertens: It’s my first time, and I think that the film is brilliant, there was a lot of applause.

Peter Janssens: I already played with Jelle in a film, I think the film is very well done but I really had to think a lot and learn a lot of text.

How was it to work with Gust on the set?

Jelle Palmaerts: Gust is my best buddy, and he is also a good boy.

Paul Mertens: Gust is also my best buddy.

Peter Janssens: On the set it was sometimes cold and there was snow, it wasn’t always easy. Gust asked me to run, and I ran.

How old are you, by the way?

Jelle Palmaerts: 23

Paul Mertens: 46

Peter Janssens: I was born in 82.

How did you become an actor?

Jelle Palmaerts: When I was younger, I wanted to become a farmer or an actor. I like to write, read, draw and I like music. I decided to join Theater Stap, which works with handicapped actors.

Paul Mertens: I sing traditional folk songs for New Year’s Eve in a town where the mayor invites me, and for my birthday. Totally alone!

Peter Janssens: When I was young I wanted to become a prince or an actor and decided to become an actor. This way I can see the world. And now I’m in France. It’s a dream come true.

Paul, can you sing a song for us?

Image / sound by Vincent Bitaud.

READ OUR PORTRAIT OF GUST VAN DEN BERGHE