Heaven Awaits

In a Belgian monastery where time seems to have stood still, the very last three living Sisters Norbertienen are preparing for the festive season. As best they can, they entertain their family and friends over Christmas. A light hearted, observational portrait of the three ladies and their hyperactive Pomeranian, Skippy.

Director Biography - Marlies Smeenge

Marlies Smeenge (The Netherlands, 1993) started her studies as a theatre student at the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, Belgium. There she discovered her fascination for seemingly normal people with an interesting and inspiring story to tell. She continued her studies as a documentary director at the Netherlands Film Academy, where she refined her eye for unique and quirky detail in everyday life. Her films are characterised by their high dose of empathy, combined with a subtly comic and light tone.

One of the documentaries she directed at the Netherlands Film Academy, Anita's Pack (2018), was screened on Dutch television and was selected and nominated at (inter)national film festivals (Mecal Pro Barcelona, Go Short, Shortcutz, Docfest Maastricht). Heaven Awaits is her diploma film.