From Wednesday 13 May to Sunday 17 May 2026, Muhka and De Cinema present HAPPY SAD, a film by Oliver Rynders about the young artist Daan Gielis, in the context of Antwerp Art Weekend.
Just as Daan Gielis’ career begins to gather momentum, his health sharply deteriorates. He needs to undergo an extremely high-risk heart operation as soon as possible. Yet his illness is not only a threat, but also a point of departure: it runs as an undercurrent through his art, his view of life and his search for what remains possible.
HAPPY SAD follows Gielis in the months leading up to the operation. The film shows how he, together with his partner Lotte De Mey, family, friends, collaborators and fellow artists, navigates hope, fear and the urge to keep working.
Gielis’ neon works often start from simple, universally recognisable forms. Young flowers in coloured neon wither before they even bloom. A paradisiacal ceramic island shows sad palm trees growing towards one another. His visual language appears direct and clear, but carries a darker undertone. Somewhere, light always continues to shine through.
The film is about the inseparable bond between creation and transience. About living for art, and about the art of living.
Programme
HAPPY SAD
Oliver Rynders | BE, 2026 | 75 min | Spoken language: Dutch | Subtitles: Dutch or English
Screening times at De Cinema:
- Wednesday 13 May 2026, 20:15
- Thursday 14 May 2026, 17:30
- Thursday 14 May 2026, 19:45
- Saturday 16 May 2026, 17:00
- Sunday 17 May 2026, 14:30
Cast: Daan Gielis, Lotte De Mey, Koen van den Broek, Sofie Van de Velde.
Tickets are available through De Cinema.
At the screenings
The screening on Wednesday 13 May at 20:15 will be introduced by artist and musician Bent Van Looy, Head of the Muhka Collection Jan De Vree and Muhka Deputy Director Nav Haq. After the film, journalist Lauranne Stappers will speak with director Oliver Rynders.
The screenings on Thursday 14 May at 17:30 and Saturday 16 May at 17:00 have English subtitles. All other screenings have Dutch subtitles.
Plan your visit
Practical information
Dates: Wednesday 13 May, Thursday 14 May, Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May 2026
Location: De Cinema
Duration: 75 min
Spoken language: Dutch
Subtitles: Dutch or English, depending on the screening
Tickets: Tickets are available through De Cinema.