Filming has started on a new drama series that pays tribute to special forces during the 2015 Paris and 2016 Brussels terrorist attacks. Produced jointly by VRT and RTBF, the series draws from real events to explore the officers' challenges and personal toll. It focuses on the 440 days spanning key attacks, including the manhunt for Salah Abdeslam.
A new psychological action thriller series has begun production, spotlighting the work of Belgian special intervention units amid the wave of terror in 2015 and 2016. The show, a collaboration between the Flemish broadcaster VRT and its Francophone partner RTBF, covers the period from the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris to the bombings at Brussels Airport and Maalbeek metro station.
Each episode centers on a true-life operation by these 'terrorist hunters,' based on the book Terrorist Hunter – In the Heart of the Special Forces by Lionel D. and Annemie Bulté. The narrative delves into the units' encounters with extremists, highlighting their vulnerability and the strain on their confidence. A key storyline follows the intense pursuit of Salah Abdeslam, examining both fieldwork and the effects on the officers' family lives.
Starring Veerle Dejaeger, Matteo Simoni, Geert Van Rampelberg, Jonas Bloquet, Louis Talpe, Nabil Mallat, Clara Cleymans, Pierre Gervais, and Laura Sepu, the series is directed by Mathieu Mortelmans. He emphasizes its dual focus: 'My goal is not only to give a glimpse behind the scenes, but also to convey the emotional impact of this terror episode.' For authenticity, writer Lionel D. consulted on events, while Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah serve as artistic producers. They describe it as 'a tribute to them and their courage,' noting the lack of public recognition for these anonymous heroes who 'risk[ed] their lives on the front line.'
This co-production with Versus, Los Morros, and Caviar builds on prior joint efforts like 1985. Filming spans Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia through April, with broadcasts planned on VRT 1 and VRT MAX in Flanders, and RTBF TV and Auvio in Wallonia. The release date remains forthcoming, underscoring themes of mental resilience a decade after the Brussels events.
